Said to be about the Peasants' Revolt in England in 1381. The cutty wren is a symbol of the king and the song refers to the distribution of his wealth among the common people. Commoners had, by custom, one day of freedom in the year -St. Stephen's Day (26 December). The people wanted more than this token freedom and rose up it revolt led by Wat Tyler, and marched on London for nine days of mayhem. The king responded by proclaiming that commoners, servants and peasants were all now free people. Wat Tyler was murdered and the revolt fell into disarray.
Said to be about the Peasants' Revolt in England in 1381. The cutty wren is a symbol of the king and the song refers to the distribution of his wealth among the common people. Commoners had, by custom, one day of freedom in the year -St. Stephen's Day (26 December). The people wanted more than this token freedom and rose up it revolt led by Wat Tyler, and marched on London for nine days of mayhem. The king responded by proclaiming that commoners, servants and peasants were all now free people. Wat Tyler was murdered and the revolt fell into disarray.