God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen was first published in 1833 when it appeared in “Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern,” a collection of seasonal carols gathered by William B. Sandys. The lyrics of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen are traditional olde English and are reputed to date back to the 15th century although the author is unknown.. It is believed that this particular carol was sung to the gentry by town watchmen who earned additional money during the Christmas season. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen continues to be enjoyed. The lyrics to this simple carol are reputed to be one of the oldest carols.
I recorded the vocals and acoustic guitar at the Lee’s “Farm Niente” over Thanksgiving 2011. When I got home I overdubbed the Rickenbacker 370/12/RM JETGLO which Bill Lee graciously gave me.
[Dm] God rest ye merry, gentlemen
let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
was born on Christmas day
[Gm] To save us all from [Dm] Satan’s power
when we were gone [C] astray
[Dm] O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and [C] joy
[Dm] O tidings of [C] comfort and [Dm] joy
In Bethlehem, in Israel,
this blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
upon this blessed morn
To which His Mother Mary
did nothing take in scorn
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
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.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
“Fear not then,” said the Angel,
” Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour
of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him
from Satan’s power and might.
“
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
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
the Son of God to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
And when they came to Bethlehem
where our dear Saviour lay,
They found Him in a manger,
where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Now to the Lord sing praises,
all you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
all other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy