It wouldn't be Yule without the all-night dance, now, would it?
Hoo-ray Jake and hoo-ray John,
breakin' old Yule up all night long.
Way back yonder a long time ago,
the old folks danced the do-si-do.
Hey little children, off to bed:
you'll wake up with ginger bread.
Way down yonder along the creek,
I saw Berhta washin' her feet.
Berhta come, Berhta gone:
breakin' old Yule up right along.
Roll up the rug and dance all night,
stay with me till mornin' light.
Pitch a nickle, pitch a dime,
breakin' old Yule up one more time.
Appalachian traditional
(adapted by Steven Posch)
You can hear the Apollo's Fire version here.
You can hear the classic Tommy Jarrel version here
(and for gods' sakes, check out cute little Luke Skywalker on second fiddle!).
Mother Berhta, also known as Old Witch Winter, is the local Yule ogress and bringer-of-gifts to children.