Woodside Morris Men's Songbook: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen; one of Britain's favourite carols, mentioned by Dickens in a Christmas Carol

Songbook

When it comes to singing, it may fairly be said that Woodside, on occasions, demonstrate a greater level of enthusiasm than quality. But such is often the fate of Folk singing - the songs are sung by people 'of the people' and our abilities brilliantly reflect that great and noble custom. The truth is, when singing with a pint in your hand after an arduous evening's dancing and playing, it is enthusiasm, participation and camaraderie that tend to create the moment.

And speaking of participation, here is your chance to make the difference! Select from the songs below, and lo! Your pleasure shall be displayed in the song panel to the right! Put your finger in your ear, and let it rip...

Country Life

Drunken Sailor

Pleasant and Delightful

The Boar's Head Carol

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Verse 1

God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing ye dismay.
Remember Christ our Savior, was born on Christmas day,
To save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray;

Chorus

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

Verse 2

From God our heavenly Father, a blessed angel came.
And unto certain shepherds, brought tidings of the same,
How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name:

Verse 3

Fear not then said the angel, “let nothing ye affright,
This day is born a Savior, of virtue, power, and might;
So frequently to vanquish all the friends of Satan quite:

Verse 4

The shepherds at those tidings, rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding, in tempest, storm, and wind,
And went to Bethlehem straightway this blessed babe to find:

Verse 5

But when to Bethlehem they came, whereat this infant lay
They found him in a manger, where oxen feed on hay;
His mother Mary kneeling unto the Lord did pray:

Verse 5

Now to the Lord sing praises, all ye within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood, each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas all others doth deface:

One of 'Three New Christmas Carols' published in broadside format in 1760, its first printed record, this popular carol is believed to have been around since the 16th Century.

The carol is also known as 'Tidings of Comfort and Joy' and was recorded along with its current and best known melody in the mid 18th Century as 'The Old Christmas Carol'. It was also distinguished by Charles Dickens by his mention of it in 'A Christmas Carol'.