God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, from Family Christmas Online^TM

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is 15th-century English for "God Keep You Happy, Gentlemen." The earliest written version is in William B. Sandy's collection of 1833. Yet the archaic lyrics and unusual melody imply that the song may well be five centuries old. One tradition has it that the song was specifically sung to the gentry, who might reward the carolers with libations, small cakes, or ha'pennies.

To hear an MP3 file of the song click here.

To download the vocal only sheet music for this song in pdf format, click here

To download the vocal/piano sheet music for this song in pdf format, click here

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

In Bethlehem, in Israel,
This blessèd Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessèd morn
The 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 blessèd 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
Rejoicèd much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding
In tempest, storm and wind:
And went to Bethl'em straightaway
This blessèd Babe 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

Alternate Last Verse - This verse may have been sung when caroling from door to door, as a special blessing to the homeowner, and maybe as a hint that the carollers are getting ready to move on.

God bless the ruler of this house, and send him long to reign,
And many a merry Christmas may live to see again;
Among your friends and kindred that live both far and near—
And God send you a happy new year, happy new year,
And God send you a happy new year.

If you have any corrections or comments you would like to make about this page, please contact me and I will be glad to hear from you. God bless - Paul