Musa Pedestris: Three Centuries of Canting Songs and Slang Rhymes, 1536-1896

Musa Pedestris is a collection of canting songs and slang rhymes that were popular in England from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The term "canting" refers to the use of slang or jargon, and "musa pedestris" is Latin for "pedestrian muse." The songs and rhymes in this collection are often bawdy, humorous, and satirical, and they provide a unique glimpse into the lives of the poor and working class people who created them.

The Origins of Canting Songs

Canting songs first emerged in England in the late 15th century, and they quickly became popular among the lower classes. These songs were often used to satirize the rich and powerful, and they often contained explicit lyrics and references to crime and violence. By the 16th century, canting songs had become so popular that they were being printed and sold in broadsides and chapbooks.

Musa Pedestris - Three Centuries of Canting Songs and Slang Rhymes [1536 - 1896]

by Paul Acee

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	344 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	260 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	152 pages
Item Weight	:	10.1 ounces
Dimensions	:	7.44 x 0.33 x 9.69 inches

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The Golden Age of Canting Songs

The 17th and 18th centuries were the golden age of canting songs. During this time, these songs were widely performed in taverns, ale houses, and other public places. Some of the most famous canting song writers of this period include Thomas Dekker, Robert Armin, and Martin Parker.

The Decline of Canting Songs

The popularity of canting songs began to decline in the 19th century. This was due in part to the rise of the middle class and the increasing respectability of the working class. By the end of the 19th century, canting songs had largely disappeared from public performance.

The Legacy of Canting Songs

Canting songs played an important role in the development of English slang and popular culture. These songs helped to spread new words and phrases, and they provided a voice for the poor and working class people who created them. Today, canting songs are still studied by scholars and enjoyed by enthusiasts of popular culture.

A Selection of Canting Songs

Here are a few examples of canting songs from the Musa Pedestris collection:

• The Beggar's Song

  I am a beggar, and a merry beggar, I beg from door to door; I beg from rich and poor, And I'm never turned away.

  I sing a song, and dance a jig, And I make the people laugh; I'm a merry beggar, and I'm happy, And I'll never go to jail.

• The Thieves' Song

  We are thieves, and we are merry thieves, We rob from rich and poor; We steal from those who have, And we give to those who need.

  We are the outlaws of society, But we are the heroes of the poor; We are the thieves, and we are proud, And we'll never be caught.

• The Prostitute's Song

  I am a prostitute, and I am proud, I sell my body for money; I am not ashamed of what I do, For I am a good woman.

  I love my customers, and they love me, We have a good time together; I am a prostitute, and I am happy, And I'll never change my ways.

Canting songs are a fascinating and unique part of English folklore. These songs provide a glimpse into the lives of the poor and working class people who created them, and they offer a valuable insight into the development of English slang and popular culture.

References

• Musa Pedestris: Three Centuries of Canting Songs and Slang Rhymes, 1536-1896
• Thomas Dekker
• Robert Armin
• Martin Parker

Musa Pedestris - Three Centuries of Canting Songs and Slang Rhymes [1536 - 1896]

by Paul Acee

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	344 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	260 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	152 pages
Item Weight	:	10.1 ounces
Dimensions	:	7.44 x 0.33 x 9.69 inches

FREE