Tune of the Day: Green Grow the Rushes, O
This English folk song is one of many “counting” Christmas carols, and in this aspect it is similar to the more famous “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. It is cumulative in structure, with each stanza built up from the previous one by adding a new verse.
I'll sing you one, O
Green grow the rushes, O
What is your one, O?
One is one and all alone
And evermore shall be so.
“Green Grow the Rushes, O” is the Regimental Song of the 3rd United States Cavalry, currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. The phrase “Green grow” is purported to be the origin of the slang term “Gringo”, resulting from the Regiment of Mounted Rifles having sung their song all over the populated areas of Mexico while campaigning there in 1847.
This song is not to be confused with Robert Burns's similarly titled “Green Grow the Rashes”, which is of Scottish origin!