The history and politics of the English protest song

ca. 1604

Well met Jockie whether away

Tune: Unknown
Lyrics: Unknown

Well met Jockie whether away
Shall we two have a worde or tway
Thow was so lousie the other day
How the devill comes thow so gay
Ha ha ha by sweet St. An
Jockie is growne a gentle man.

Thy shoes that thou worst when thow went’st to plow
Were made of the hyde of a Scottish cow
They are turnd into Spanish leather now
Bedeckt with roses I now not how.
Ha ha ha &c.

Thy stockings that were of a northerne blew
That cost not past 12d when they were new
Are turnd into a silken hew
Most gloriouslye to all mens vew
Ha ha ha &c.

Thy belt that was made of a white leather thonge
Which thow & thy father ware so longe
Are turn’d to hangers of velvet stronge
With golde & pearle embroydred amonge
Ha ha ha &c.

Thy garters that were of the Spanish say
Which from the taylor thow stollst away
Are now quite turnd to silke they say
With great broad laces fayre & gay
Ha ha ha &c.

Thy doublet & breech that were so playne
On which a louse could scarce remayne
Are turnd to sattin god a mercie brayne
That thow by begging couldst this obtayne
Ha ha ha &c.

Thy cloake which was made of a home spun thread
Which thow wast wonte to flinge on thy bed
Is turnd into a skarlet red
With golden laces aboute thee spread
Ha ha ha &c.

Thy bonnet of blew which thow wor’st hether
To keep thy skonce from winde & wether
Is throwne away the devill knowes whether
And turn’d to a bever hat & feather.
Ha ha ha &c.

Westminster hall was coverd with lead
And so was St. John many a day
The Scotchmen have begd it to buy them bread
The devill take all such Jockies away.
Ha ha ha &c.

Lyrics

This unprinted song protests at the influx of Scottish court cronies after James I’s accession. Adopting and exploiting a contemporary stereotype of the beggarly Scotsman, it complains at their transformation into finely dressed courtiers, wearing luxurious foreign goods. The song circulated privately among disgruntled English courtiers, helping to build fellow feeling and identify potential allies who could pressure the king to distribute patronage more fairly. One copy came into the hands of the state.

Cause: Protectionist | Reactionary | Social Conservative
Theme: Political Process | Impact of Change | Rights
Addressed to: Social Elite | Political Elite
Target of Protest: Ethnic/National group | The Ruler
Proposal/Solution: Repeal | Deportation