'Pastime with Good Company' - English Tudor Era Folk Song

'Pastime with Good Company,' also known as 'The King's Ballad,' is a popular English folk song attributed to King Henry VIII of England. This Renaissance song is one of the few compositions directly associated with Henry VIII, who ruled England from 1509 to 1547. While Henry VIII is more famously remembered for his role in the English Reformation and his six marriages, he was also a talented musician and composer.
'Pastime with Good Company' was composed during the early years of Henry's reign and reflects the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the time. The song's lyrics celebrate the pleasures of life and the camaraderie that accompanies them. It speaks of enjoying the company of friends, music, dancing, and feasting, emphasizing the importance of companionship and merriment.
"Pastime with Good Company" is typically performed with lively and jovial melodies, often accompanied by instruments such as lutes, recorders, and other period-appropriate instruments.
Over the centuries, it has remained a beloved piece of early English music. Its catchy melody and relatable theme of finding joy in the company of friends continue to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless folk song that has endured for centuries.

[@williamfrank962]

I think people forget how love and liked Henry viii was during his early reign. He was cultured, witty, considered very handsome and was not as violent as his later years. I no doubt believe if he died young while still married to Cathrine or had his son with her lived to adulthood he would no doubt go down as one of the more beloved kings of England. Shame for him to loose it in later life.

[@suertesamp]

I remember singing this in primary school. Modern english version of course

[@quonkylops]

Can I ask if this was in England? Bahaha, I smile at the thought of this happening in my American education

[@suertesamp]

@@quonkylops sure was

[@quonkylops]

@@suertesamp thanks! Sounds fun. Have a good one

[@OnCydig]

Good job with the Middle English lyrics.

[@RATSKETCHES]

More like Early Modern English.

[@Ben-ek1fz]

@@OnCydig definitely more early modern

[@jakadvo2465]

fym folk song king Henry literary wrote this

[@ElizabeththeQueen]

Pastime with Good Company was written by King Henry VIII in the beginning of the 16th century, shortly after his coronation. It is thought to have been written for Catherine of Aragon so showing Anne Boleyn's Coronation in here just... Catherine of Aragon fit more

[@Imperial_Britannia]

Yeah I agree, but a lot of the times I make these at night after I get home so I didn’t really notice until after it was posted the morn after.

[@NotYourAverageMeatball]

Your usersname didn't age very well did it?

[@jamesberry4514]

The Renaissance Man, the song tells the story of the man who wrote it. Henry

[@patrioticarchive]

Lovely

[@lexx2645]

Absolutely brilliant.

[@anenglishmanplusamerican7107]

A great relaxing and chill out song

[@AvaT42]

I think is really good how you get the video to fit with the music.

[@CarolusR3x]

We need sumer is icumen in next

[@Imperial_Britannia]

Have had that planned out for a while, a lot of older songs from around the Angevin era too,

[@randomgirlonyt3221]

The video is great but I have only one problem in my opinion you showed to many clips of Boleyn this song was made for Queen Cathrine of Aragon I don’t think Boleyn was even born when Henry made this song

[@kamilhasenfeller2675]

Britain wasn't an empire then.😊

[@avus-kw2f213]

Actually

[@moraesneto9508]

The song about times of the reign of the English Nero….

[@Imperial_Britannia]

It’s such a sad story of how Henry VIII fell from grace as the beloved soldier king of England to the obese 6th wed tyrant king.