Meaning of "A Soalin'" by Peter, Paul & Mary

The lyrics of "A Soalin'" by Peter, Paul & Mary carry multiple layers of meaning. At its core, the song is a celebration of the tradition of "a-souling," a practice that dates back to medieval times. During this time, poor people would go from house to house, offering prayers for the souls of the homeowners' departed loved ones in exchange for soul cakes. The lyrics express the joy and merriment associated with this tradition, with the repeated refrain of "hey ho, nobody home" emphasizing the sense of camaraderie and community during the holiday season.

Beyond the surface-level celebration, the lyrics also reflect on the importance of blessings and goodwill towards others. The singers offer blessings to the master and mistress of the house, as well as the children and animals. This reflects a sense of gratitude and appreciation for those who have more, as well as a recognition of the interconnectedness of all beings. The lyrics also express a hope for abundance and generosity, encouraging hosts to be kind and share what they have, even if times are tough.

Moreover, the lyrics touch on themes of poverty and hardship. The line "meat nor drink nor money have I none" acknowledges the lack of material wealth that the singers possess. However, despite this, they still find reasons to be merry and spread joy. The verses about dirty streets and thin shoes highlight the difficulties faced by those less fortunate in society. Yet, even in these circumstances, the singers maintain a spirit of goodwill, offering blessings to those who may not be able to give much.

Overall, "A Soalin'" is a song that celebrates the spirit of the holiday season and the traditions associated with it, while also encouraging kindness, generosity, and recognition of the struggles faced by others.