'The World Turned Upside Down' - English Ballad / Protest Song

"The World Turned Upside Down" is a traditional English ballad. It was first published on a broadside in 1646, as a protest against the policies of Parliament relating to the celebration of Christmas. Parliament believed the holiday should be a solemn occasion, and outlawed traditional English Christmas celebrations, which were seen as too closely associated with Catholicism. There are several versions of the lyrics. It is sung to the tune of a popular and contemporary English Royalist ballad, "When the king enjoys his own again".

Performed by Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band (Hang Up Sorrow and Care), 1995.