Lilliburlero - English Traditional Song

“Lillibullero“ (also spelled Lillibulero, Lilliburlero, or Lilli Burlero) is a march composed by Henry Purcell that became popular in England at the time of the Glorious Revolution of 1688. In 1686, Lord Thomas Wharton composed lyrics for Purcell’s tune. The rakish Wharton was satirizing King James II’s appointment of Richard Talbot, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell as Lord Deputy of Ireland. Wharton’s conceit is a sarcastic conversation between two Irishmen about the imminent arrival of the Catholic Talbot, and its dire implications for the Protestants. “Lillibullero“ was the watchword used by Irish Catholics during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. The song initially made very little impression on the public. However, when James II began transferring Irish regiments to England in 1688, broadsides of the lyrics were printed, and “Lillibullero“ became immensely popular by October. It spread as a popular street song in English towns, and especially inside English barracks to mock the arriving Irish regiments. The next month, William of Orange invaded, and “Lillibullero“ became even more commonplace. Even the palace guards supposedly loyal to James II were heard singing it. A second part was published to the song as William advanced. Wharton boasted that he had “sung a deluded Prince out of three kingdoms“. The painting is titled “King William III at Windsor“