We went to a carolling party last Saturday night at a neighboring estate. One of our hosts is in a singing group and they were performing. One of the songs composed by our host was a delightful piece called "Shut the gate" and if you hear me say, "Ya gotta shut the gate!" I'm quoting from the song. (It's about being on a farm and featured well-rendered animal sounds. What a hoot! Well, actually, a cluck, neigh, or bray!) The other chorus was 16 of the 80 women who made it to Seattle this year and placed 10th in the international a capella chorus competition. I/we had a lot of fun!!
The weather was on the cool side for Australian summertime and singing Christmas songs really made it feel that Christmas is almost here. Driving through Nowra, the largest town in the area, you don't see huge displays of Christmas, no street deco. Some of the stores in the shopping mall we visited had temporary second locations on the concourse, but other than lots of small signs indicating extra discounts, the shops don't go overboard with decoration. Some of you may call me a Scrooge (again), but I've always thought that America's commercialism is way!! over the top.
Here's the treat I promised you. Aussie Jingle Bells changes the words of the traditional song to more accurately reflect conditions in the Southern Hemisphere. I got the impression that the lyrics are not widely known; if not, they should be!
Aussie Jingle Bells
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| Pinus radiata Christmas tree |
In a rusty Holden ute
Kicking up the dust
Esky in the boot
Kelpie by my side
Singing Christmas songs
It's summer time and I am in
My singlet, shorts and thongs!
CHORUS:
Oh, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Jingle all the way
Christmas in Australia
On a scorching Summer's day
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Christmas time is beaut
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a rusty Holden ute!
Engine's getting hot
Dodge the kangaroos
Swaggy climbs aboard
He is welcome too
All the family is there
Sitting by the pool
Christmas day, the Aussie way
By the barbeque!
Chorus
Come the afternoon
Grandpa has a doze
The kids and Uncle Bruce
Are swimming in their clothes
The time comes round to go
We take a family snap
Then pack the car and all shoot through
Before the washing up!
Chorus
Cheers!!!!
Cyn
ps: esky=eskimo cooler/ice chest
pps: I'm in a tank top and skort. It's gonna be hot today!
interesting and very cute :) thanks for posting this
ReplyDeleteby the way, i love the pic of the xmas tree! i love unique xmas trees :)