"The World Turned Upside Down" is an English novelty song. It was first published on a broadside in 1643 as a protest against the policies of Parliament relating to the celebration of Christmas. Parliament, coming under the influence of the Puritan coalition, believed the holiday should be a solemn occasion, and outlawed traditional English Christmas celebrations which were full of merriment and licentiousness. There are several versions of the lyrics. It is sung to the tune of the ballad, "When the King Enjoys His Own Again".