[Gail White]

This has puzzled me for years: Is there any meaning whatever in the words to the song "Knees Up Mother Brown"?

[Ann Drysdale]

Yes. The old dame is being exhorted to dance and drink and to set aside her inhibitions. The term "knees-up" now refers to any noisy, often impromptu, party.

The song is now associated (often with alternative lyrics) with football games, another scenario where inhibitions are frequently shed.

[ross hamilton hill]

There's a Wiki article about, it's ribald, the term denoting a sexual position for dear Mother Brown.

[Ann Drysdale]

Ross! Don't tell the Murcans all our secrets!

[Steve Bucknell]

Isn't that Old Mother Brown in your icon, Ann? That's not keeping it very secret...though I suppose you could call it "hidden in plain view".

[Ann Drysdale]

Like the Travelling Lemon, you mean?

[Steve Bucknell]

I'm fond of Naming Brians, because I can mention Brian Blessed. I think of him as my Spiritual Father.

[John Whitworth]

Ah the Blessed Brian Blessed. Soon to be Saint Brian of the Voice.

[David Anthony]

Interesting question, Gail, and it sent me off to the internet where I found this:

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=%2...cQ_AUoAg&dpr=1

Clearly the phrase "My word! If I catch you bending" had a significance to the Victorians and Edwardians which is lost on us now, though we can guess.

It seems the song, or at any rate the tune, could date to Edward the Confessor's time, although the words handed down have changed.

Best regards,

David

[Gail White]

Thanks, all!
(In further confessions of abysmal ignorance, I don't know what "getting the breeze up" means, either).