Wagenlied, pagina 1 1641

This is a page from Wagenlied, or Wagon Song, printed by Crispijn van de Passe the Younger in the Netherlands. Though undated, it was likely made in the early 17th century. We can see the lyrics and musical notation for a popular tune of the time. Printed song sheets like this one played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and cultural identity in the Dutch Republic. The lyrics suggest a bawdy drinking song. The title translates to 'Merry Wagon Song', indicating it was likely sung during festivals or processions. In this era of burgeoning print culture, popular songs disseminated ideas and values. This song uses a playful tone, and speaks to a culture that has an emerging sense of itself. To truly understand this song sheet, a historian might consult songbooks, festival records, and broadsides from the period. By studying these sources, we can gain insights into the social life of the Dutch Republic and the ways that art reflected the changing times.