At Rockbeare, to the east of Exeter, is a Pub called ‘The Jack in The Green’ that I used to visit in the 70s when I lived near there. It deserved a song and this was it. It has since become one of the most widely recorded of my songs and has often been attributed to the tradition. That is, to me, very flattering and I would like to think that it indicates that I have captured the essence of the custom in the song.

 

 

Now winter is over I'm happy to say

And we're all met again in our ribbons so gay

And we're all met again, to rejoice in the spring

And to go about dancing with Jack in the Green

Jack in the Green, Jack in the Green

And we’ll all dance each springtime with Jack in the Green

 

Now Jack in the Green is a very strange man

Though he dies every autumn he's born every spring

And each year on his birthday, we will dance through the street

And in return Jacky will ripen the wheat

Jack in the Green, Jack in the Green

And we’ll all dance each springtime with Jack in the Green

 

Now all you young maidens I'd have you beware

Of touching young Jack for there's strange powers there

For if you but touch him there is many will tell

Like the wheat in our fields so your belly will swell

Jack in the Green, Jack in the Green

And we’ll all dance each springtime with Jack in the Green

 

With his mantle he'll cover the trees that are bare

Our gardens he'll trim with his jacket so fair

But our fields he will sow with the hair of his head

And the grain it will ripen till old Jack is dead

Jack in the Green, Jack in the Green

And we’ll all dance each springtime with Jack in the Green

 

Now the sun is half up and it signals the hour

That the children arrive with their garlands of flowers

So now let the music and the dancing begin

And touch the good heart of young Jack in the Green

Jack in the Green, Jack in the Green

And we’ll all dance each springtime with Jack in the Green

 

 

Copyright © 1972 Martin Graebe