Song Meaning
This is a call to immediate, uninhibited celebration. The opening lines urge listeners to "revel't out" and "tread the hilles and dales about," setting a scene of communal revelry that should fill the landscape with sound. It’s an invitation to let loose and make the natural world resonate with their joy. The tone is one of eager anticipation, a desire to break free and embrace a moment of pure, unadulterated merriment.
The core tension lies in the contrast between the mundane and the ecstatic. The lyrics dismiss even the pastoral sounds of "Pan's pipe" as insufficient, suggesting a desire for a more potent, captivating strain of music. This elevates the current moment beyond simple folk merriment, implying a need for something that truly "please your vaine" – a powerful, almost intoxicating musical experience.
The craft here is in the direct, imperative address and the vivid, active imagery. Phrases like "tread the hilles and dales about" and "Faires trip it with your feet" create a sense of dynamic movement and widespread participation. The repetition of "Come, come" emphasizes the urgency and the inclusive nature of the invitation, drawing everyone into the unfolding celebration.
Ultimately, the effectiveness stems from its straightforward, energetic command to embrace joy. It bypasses complex emotional landscapes for a pure, unadulterated call to revelry, making the desire for immediate, shared happiness palpable and infectious. The lyrics promise an escape into a vibrant, sound-filled world where merriment reigns supreme.