The World Turned Upside Down

“The World Turned Upside Down” is an English Ballad also known by the title “When the King Enjoys His Own Again.” It was first published in 1643 as a protest against Oliver Cromwell’s attempt to ban Christmas celebrations.

Legend has it that when Lord Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781, signaling the end of the American Revolution, the British band played this tune. Aedanus Burke vividly describes the atmosphere created by the music at Yorktown: 'They marched thro' both Armies at a slow pace, and to the sound of music, not military marches, but of certain airs, which had in them so peculiar a strain of melancholy.”


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