It is centered around the birth of Christ and conveys the Christmas message of hope and abundant joy.
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is somber and yet uplifting and inspiring. Some speculate that this is due to Queen Victoria’s love of carols.Ĭharles Dickens referenced the song in his classic, “A Christmas Carol.” The song describes how Jesus has come to “save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray” which is an appropriate theme for all mankind-and epitomized by Scrooge. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” has been a traditional carol since the mid-18th Century. In today’s language, the first line could read, “May God keep you in contented spirits, folks.” O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy. The text has changed several times over the years. Representative Text 1 God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day To save us all from Satan's pow'r when we were gone astray. In the 17th Century, “rest” as it is used in this song meant “to keep or continue.” This usage of “rest” was obsolete by 1760.
It is interesting to consider the lyrics in light of their original meaning. This collection also included “The First Noel” and “I Saw Three Ships.” The melody and lyrics were first published together in 1833 in a collection titled, “Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern,” compiled by William Sandys. The first printed version of the song appeared in 1760-when it is referred to as “Tidings of Comfort and Joy.” The melody was first in print in 1829, though it was likely used long before that. The nightwatchmen are said to have sung “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” as they walked the streets of London. So, the faithful counteracted this tone by singing more uplifting songs in the streets. Consequentially, most church goers did not like the religious songs of the period. In the 15th Century, church music was typically sung in Latin and was dark and rather somber. This English carol has undergone many changes over the years. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is one of the oldest existing Christmas carols. God rest you merry gentlemen let nothing you dismay remember christ our saviour was born on christmas day to save us all from satans power when we're gone astray.
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