Here We Go A Wassailing!

A list of Christmas Carols - 

and then some modern songs thrown in too

Gaudete

Gaudete, Gaudete Cristus Est Natus, Ex Maria Virgine Gaudete.

Sound it out like this.

Cow – Gau

Day - de

Say – te

Priest – Christ

you – us

rest – est

Baa – Nat

you – us

Ex – ex

Maria – Maria

Veer – Vir

gin – gin

eh – e

Gaudete

Oh Christmas Tree

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree,
Thy leaves are so unchanging

Not only green when summer's here,
But also when ters cold and drear.
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree,
Thy leaves are so unchanging!

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree,
Much pleasure do you bring me!
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree,
Much pleasure do you bring me!

For every year the Christmas tree,
Brings to us all both joy and glee.
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree,
Much pleasure do you bring me!

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree,
You'll never be unchanging!
A symbol of good, will, and love
You'll never be unchanging

Each shining light
Each silver bell
No one alive spreads cheer so well

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree,
You'll never be unchanging

Good King Wencesles

Good King Wenceslas looked out
on the feast of Stephen,
when the snow lay round about,
deep and crisp and even.
Brightly shone the moon that night,
though the frost was cruel,
when a poor man came in sight,
gathering winter fuel.

Hither, page, and stand by me.
If thou know it telling:
yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?
Sire, he lives a good league hence,
underneath the mountain,
right against the forest fence
by Saint Agnes fountain.

Bring me flesh, and bring me wine.
Bring me pine logs hither.
Thou and I will see him dine
when we bear the thither.
Page and monarch, forth they went,
forth they went together
through the rude wind's wild lament
and the bitter weather.

Sire, the night is darker now,
and the wind blows stronger.
Fails my heart, I know not how.
I can go no longer.
Ark my footsteps my good page,
tread thou in them boldly:
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
freeze thy blood less coldly.

In his master's step he trod,
where the snow lay dented.
Heat was in the very sod
which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
wealth or rank possessing,
ye who now will bless the poor
shall yourselves find blessing

Boar's Head Carol

The boar's head in hand bear I
Bedecked with bay and rosemary;
So I pray you my masters be merry,


Quot estis in convivio

[as many as are at the feast].

Chorus
Caput apri defero

[I bring in the boar's head]


Reddens laudes Domino

[Giving thanks to the lord]


Caput apri defero
Reddens laudes Domino
The boar's head as I understand
Is the rarest dish in all the land,
Which thus bedecked with a gay garland,


Let us servire cantico

[serve it with a song].

Chorus

Our steward hath provided this
In honour of the King of bliss,
Which on this day to be served is
In Reginensis atrio

[In Queen's Hall].

Here We Come a Wassailing

Here we come a-wassailing among the leaves so green;


Here we come a-wandering, so fair to be seen.


Refrain:

Love and joy come to you, and to you our wassail, too.


And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year


And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year

We are not daily beggars that beg from door to door;


But we are neighbours' children whom you have seen before.

Refrain

We have a little purse made of ratching leather skin;


We want a little sixpence to line it well within.

Refrain

God bless the master of this house, likewise the mistress, too;


And all the little children that round the table go.

Refrain

Silent Night

Silent night! Holy night


All is calm, all is bright
Round young virgin mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace!
Sleep in heavenly peace!

Silent night! Holy night!


Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Hallelujah
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!

Silent night! Holy night!


Son of God love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at thy birth,
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Savior
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
Tidings of 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
Comfort and joy

"Fear not," said the Angel
"Let nothing you afright
This day is born a Savior
Of pure or 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

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

Tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Tidings of comfort and joy

Oh Come All Ye Faithful

Oh, come all ye faithful joyful and triumphant


Oh, come ye oh, come ye to Bethlehem


Come and behold Him, born the King of angels




O come let us adore Him, o come let us adore Him


O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord

Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation


Sing all ye citizens of heaven above


Glory to God in the highest


O come let us adore Him, o come let us adore Him


O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord

Joy to the World

Joy to the world! The Lord has come:


let earth receive her King!

Let every heart prepare him room


and heaven and nature sing.


and heaven and nature sing


and heaven and heaven and nature sing

Joy to the world! the Saviour reigns:

let men their songs employ


while fields and floods rocks hills and plains


repeat the sounding joy


repeat the sounding joy


repeat the sounding joy

No more let sins and sorrows grow


nor thorns infest the ground:


he comes to make his blessings flow

far as the curse is found


far as curse is found


far as curse is found

He rules the earth with truth and grace,


and makes the nations prove


the glories of his righteousness


and wonders of his love


and wonders of his love


and wonders of his love

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing
The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side,
'Til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there

Silver Bells

City sidewalks busy sidewalks .


Dressed in holiday style
In the air
There's a feeling
of Christmas
Children laughing


People passing


Meeting smile after smile


And on every street corner you'll hear

Silver bells silver bells


It's Christmas time in the city


Ring a ling hear them ring


Soon it will be Christmas day

Strings of street lights


Even stop lights


Blink a bright red and green


As the shoppers rush
home with their treasures

Hear the snow crunch


See the kids bunch


This is Santa's big scene


And above all this bustle
You'll hear


Silver bells, silver bells


It's Christmas time in the city


Ring-a-ling, hear them ring


Soon it will be Christmas day

Let it Snow

Oh the weather outside is frightful


But the fire is so delightful


And since we've no place to go


Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!!

Oh, it doesn't show signs of stopping


And I've bought some corn for popping


The lights are turned way down low


Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally kiss goodnight


How I'll hate going out in the storm!


But if you'll really hold me tight


All the way home I'll be warm

Oh, it doesn't show signs of stopping


And I've bought some corn for popping


The lights are turned way down low


Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally kiss goodnight


How I'll hate going out in the storm!


But if you'll really hold me tight


All the way home I'll be warm

I'll be wa-a-rm.

The fire is slowly dying


And, my dear, we're still goodbying


But as long as you love me so


Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Deck the Halls

Deck the halls with boughs of holly,


Fa la la la la, la la la la.


Tis the season to be jolly,


Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Don we now our gay apparel,


Fa la la, la la la, la la la.


Toll the ancient Yuletide carol,


Fa la la la la, la la la la.

See the blazing Yule before us,


Fa la la la la, la la la la.


Strike the harp and join the chorus.


Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Follow me in merry measure,


Fa la la la la, la la la la.


While I tell of Yuletide treasure,


Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes,


Fa la la la la, la la la la.


Hail the new, ye lads and lasses,


Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Sing we joyous, all together,


Fa la la la la, la la la la.


Heedless of the wind and weather,


Fa la la la la, la la la la

White Christmas

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas


Just like the ones I used to know


Where the treetops glisten
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas


With every Christmas card I write


May your days be merry and bright


And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas


With every Christmas card I write


May your days be merry and bright


And may all your Christmases be white

Sleigh Ride

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,
Ring-ting-tingling too,
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you,
Outside the snow is falling
And friends are calling, "Yoo hoo",
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.

Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up,
Let's go, let's look at the show,
We're riding in a wonderland of snow.
Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap,
It's grand, just holding your hand,
We're riding along with a song
Of a wintry fairy land.

Our cheeks are nice and rosy,
And comfy cozy are we,
We're snuggled up together
Like two birds of a feather would be,
Let's take that road before us,
And sing a chorus or two,
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.

There's a birthday party
At the home of Farmer Gray,
It'll be the perfect ending of a perfect day,
We'll be singing the songs
We love to sing without a single stop,
At the fireplace while we watch
The chestnuts pop; Pop! Pop! Pop!

There's a happy feeling
Nothing in the world can buy,
When they pass around the coffee
And the pumpkin pie,
It'll nearly be like a picture print
By Currier and Ives,
These wonderful things are the things
We remember all through our lives!

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,
Ring-ting-tingling too,
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you,
Outside the snow is falling
And friends are calling, "Yoo hoo",
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.

Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up,
Let's go, let's look at the show,
We're riding in a wonderland of snow.
Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up,
It's grand, just holding your hand,
We're riding along with a song
Of a wintry fairy land.

Our cheeks are nice and rosy,
And comfy cozy are we,
We're snuggled up together
Like two birds of a feather would be,
Let's take that road before us
And sing a chorus or two,
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas


Everywhere you go;


Take a look in the five and ten glistening once again


With candy canes and silver lanes aglow.


It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas


Toys in every store


But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be


On your own front door.

A pair of hopalong boots and a pistol that shoots


Is the wish of Barney and Ben;


Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk


Is the hope of Janice and Jen;


And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again.

School days school days dear old golden rules day don't have to study don't have to go look out the window it's starting to snow

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas


Everywhere you go;


There's a tree in the Grand Hotel,

one in the park as well,


The sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow.


It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas;


Soon the bells will start,


And the thing that will make them ring

is the carol that you sing


Right within your heart

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

Rockin' around the Christmas tree


At the Christmas party hop,


Mistletoe hung where you can see,


Every couple tries to stop,


Rockin' around the Christmas tree,


Let the Christmas spirit ring,


Later we'll have some pumpkin pie,


And we'll do some caroling.

You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear,


Voices singing, "Let's be jolly,


Deck the halls with boughs of holly",


Rockin' around the Christmas tree,


Have a happy holiday,


Everyone dancin' merrily,
In the new old-fashioned way.

You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear,


Voices singing, "Let's be jolly,


Deck the halls with boughs of holly",


Rockin' around the Christmas tree,


Have a happy holiday,


Everyone dancin' merrily,


In the new old-fashioned way.

Chestnut Song

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire


Jack Frost nipping at your nose


Yuletide carols being sung by a choir


And folks dressed up like Eskimos

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe


Help to make the season bright


Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow


Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa's on his way


He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh


And every mother's child is gonna spy


To see if reindeer really know how to fly

And so I'm offering this simple phrase


To kids from one to ninety-two


Although it's been said many times, many ways


Merry Christmas to you

They know that Santa's on his way


He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh


And every mother's child is gonna spy


To see if reindeer really know how to fly

And so I'm offering this simple phrase


To kids from one to ninety-two


Although it's been said many times,

many ways


Merry Christmas


Merry Christmas
 

Merry Christmas to you

Winter Wonderland

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,


In the lane, snow is glistening


A beautiful sight,
We're happy tonight,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird,


Here to stay is a new bird


He sings a love song,


As we go along,


Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,


Then pretend that he is Parson Brown


He'll say: Are you married?


We'll say: No man,


But you can do the job


When you're in town.

Later on, we'll conspire,


As we dream by the fire


To face unafraid,


The plans that we've made,


Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,


Then pretend that he's a circus clown


We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman,


Until the other kiddies knock him down.

When it snows, ain't it thrilling,


Though your nose gets a chilling


We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,


Walking in a winter wonderland.

Walking in a winter wonderland,


Walking in a winter wonderland.

Mistletoe and Holly

Oh, by gosh, by golly


It's time for mistletoe and holly


Tasty pheasants, Christmas presents


Countrysides covered with snow

Oh, by gosh, by jingle


It's time for carols and Kris Kringle


Overeating, merry greetings


From relatives you don't know

Then comes that big night


Giving the tree the trim


You'll hear voices by starlight


Singing a Yuletide hymn

Oh, by gosh, by golly


It's time for mistletoe and holly


Fancy ties an' granny's pies


An' folks stealin' a kiss or two

As they whisper, "Merry Christmas" to you

Then comes that big night


Giving the tree the trim


You'll hear voices by starlight


Singing a Yuletide hymn

Oh, by gosh, by golly


It's time for mistletoe and holly


Fancy ties an' granny's pies


An' folks stealin' a kiss or two

As they whisper, "Merry Christmas" to you

Vivat the Dream ~ Varina Suellen Plonski,

Vivat the Dream 
                                     Varina Suellen Plonski, copyright 1991 

The Knowne World remembers, 'mid laughter and tears,
This Dream we've been dreaming for thirty-six years.
And in celebration we gather as then,
To be certain the Dream comes alive yet again.

So sing Vivat! the Dream, may it live on
In hearts and in poetry, story and song.
For all men need a Dream, as we all share,
And each time that we gather we dream it again.

Chivalry, Courtesy, Honor and Love
Are Ideals that we cherish all others above.
Ideals are the fire in the hearts of all men.
And each time that we gather we dream it again.

So sing Vivat! the Dream, may it live on
In hearts and in poetry, story and song.
For all men need a Dream, as we all share.
And each time that we gather we dream it again.

Each lord needs a lady to strengthen his arm.
Each lady a lord to keep her from harm.
'Tis Love and the Dream brings together all men.
And each time that we gather, we dream it again.

So sing Vivat! the Dream, may it live on
In hearts and in poetry, story and song.
For all men need a Dream, as we all share.
And each time that we gather we dream it again.

The Knowne World remembers, mid laughter and tears
This Dream we've been dreaming for thirty-six years.
And in celebration we gather as then
To be certain the Dream comes alive yet again.

copyright 1991

We Be Soldiers Three

1. We be soldiers three
Pardona moy je vous an pree¹
Lately come forth of the low contry
With never a penny of mony.²

2. Here, good fellow, I'll drink to thee
Pardona moy je vous an pree
To all good fellows wherever they be
With never a penny of mony.

3. Here, good fellow, I'll sing you a song,
Sing for the brave and sing for the strong,
To all those living and those who are gone,
With never a penny of mony³

4. And he who will not pledge me this
Pardona moy je vous an pree
Payes for the shot what ever it is
With never a penny of mony.

I do not own this song, 

Low Among the Roses ~ Catherine Faber

Will sang sweet as a courting dove 
Shy as a doe was Mhari's love 
She never dared her heart to show 
Low among the roses oh, 

Low among the roses 
Low among the roses 
She never dared her heart to show* 
Low among the roses oh. 

When Will would sing a courting song 
Mhari used to sing along 
Their voices danced where the willows grow 
Low among the roses oh, 

Willie said as spring drew near 
"Friendship cannot keep me here 
To seek my fortune I mean to go" 
Low among the roses oh. 

There they said their brief goodbyes; 
Her heart spoke only from her eyes 
He left her there with her head bowed low 
Low among the roses oh. 

Love that will not speak its name 
Only has itself to blame. 
I'll not end like Mhari, no 
Low among the roses oh.

I do not own the rights to this song :)

The Great Sac Sheep - Sealion War the year AS 48 (filk the Great White Sheep)

Oh our island
is a bonnie land
up to the west and north.
Laird James smiles
at the western isles
the land of Laird Eideards Birth.

Crickstow by the Sea
to ravensly
the mighty mountains weep
for each sad glen
has been cleared of men
to make way for the great sac sheep.

The Islanders blaze
and Lionsgates braes
are burning up the skies
Laird James men
did raze our glen
heed not the young sheeps cries!

Both barons might
denies their right
and all out battle grows
each Laird must keep
his great sac sheep
from the reiving of thier foes!

The Massacre of Glencoe

The Massacre of Glencoe

They came in a blizzard, we offered them heat
A roof for their heads, dry shoes for their feet
We wined them and dined them, they ate of our meat
And they slept in the house of MacDonald.

Chorus:O, cruel was the snow that sweeps Glencoe
And covers the grave o' Donald
O, cruel was the foe that raped Glencoe
And murdered the house of MacDonald

2. They came from Fort William with murder in mind
The Campbell had orders King William had signed
"Put all to the sword" these words underlined
"And leave none alive called MacDonald"
Chorus:

3. They came in the night when the men were asleep
This band of Argyles, through snow soft and deep
Like murdering foxes amongst helpless sheep
They slaughtered the house of MacDonald
Chorus:

4. Some died in their beds at the hand of the foe
Some fled in the night and were lost in the snow
Some lived to accuse him who struck the first blow
But gone was the house of MacDonald
Chorus:

Fair Susan

When I was a young man i would visit all my lands
the townsfolk and the countryside where mine to command
the endless fields of barley stretching out like golden seas
the care of all my tenants and all those sworn to me

While I was strolling on the road that led to Cobble Hill
I say her walking homeward and my heart it did stand still
she sang a song as she went down the road a gentle happy song
so soft and sweet i couldn't help but turn and tag along

Fair Susan they called her
the young blacksmiths daughter
her eyes filled with laughter
and her heart filled with cheer

Three of us came forward
with intentions to court her
those that could afford her
and hold her most dear

Mark was a baron who was looking for a wife
and Tommy was the Butchers son, who'd know her all his life
and I the lord of all the land, a handsome chap was i
and if she would just answer yes than i would make her mine

the seasons changed she did arrange to meet us every week
we were young and foolish so in this we did compete
until the day that she did say she's ready to decide
whoever brings the perfect gift than i shall be his bride



Fair Susan they called her
the young blacksmiths daughter
her eyes filled with laughter
and her heart filled with cheer

Three of us came forward
with intentions to court her
those that could afford her
and hold her most dear

I ran to all the nearest towns and tore apart the stores

looking for the perfect gift that any could afford

until i found and emerald that glittered like her eyes

i had a plan for that green gem, a wonderful surprise

and so i travelled to her home and much to my chagrin

were Mark and Tommy by the gate just waiting to let in

Mark did smile triumphantly and held aloft his bag

while Tommy held a sheet of paper looking tired and ragged

Fair Susan they called her
the young blacksmiths daughter
her eyes filled with laughter
and her heart filled with cheer

Three of us came forward
with intentions to court her
those that could afford her
and hold her most dear

Mark was first to offer up his token of esteem

a beautiful pearl necklace that caught the light and gleaned,

Fair Susan squealed and thanked the man it gave me quite a fright

so i stepped forward gallently to present to her my find

with a flourish i revealed a gold and emerald band

asking her to be my wife and help me rule the land

she gazed upon the wedding ring with nothing short of awe

and turned to Tommy, last of us, to see what he had brought

Fair Susan they called her
the young blacksmiths daughter
her eyes filled with laughter
and her heart filled with cheer

Three of us came forward
with intentions to court her
those that could afford her
and hold her most dear

Tommy coughed and stood on up a true and worried wreck

to see such girts beyond his means and beyond his prospects

"I have no pearls nor emeralds as presents for your hand,

I come to you, Fair Susan, as a fellow village man.

"And if you would but listen to, the words i've written here,

I have for you a promise that you may hold most dear,

and if nothing else persuades you then i will simply go

but give me just a second so you can fully know.

"Dear Susan, I love you,

and i've always loved you

i promise to be true

and stay at your side

and since we both were small

i've loved you through it all

summer winter fall

would you be my bride?"

No one spoke for quite some time, the silence dragging on,

Tommy stayed just long enough to pack then he was gone

Susan look as us, nervously, and put our gifts before

then she said 'escuse me' and then ran out the door

Young Tommy and Fair Susan were wedding in the fall

the townsfolk came to celebrate the happy pair and all

I learned that somethings can be bought, and some can be persuade

but love is best when spoken out, if you want to win the maid.

Fair Susan they called her
the young blacksmiths daughter
her eyes filled with laughter
and her heart filled with cheer

Three of us came forward
with intentions to court her
those that could afford her
and hold her most dear

She Moved Through the Fair ~ Colum

One version of the lyrics is as follows:

Verse 1 My young love said to me, My mother won't mind And my father won't slight you For your lack of kine. And she laid her hand on me And this she did say: It will not be long, Love, Till our wedding day. Verse 2 As she stepped away from me And she moved through the fair And fondly I watched her Move here and move there. And then she made her way homeward, With one star awake, As the swan in the evening Moved over the lake.

Verse 3 The people were saying, No two e'er were wed But one had a sorrow That never was said. And I smiled as she passed With her goods and her gear, And that was the last That I saw of my dear Verse 4 Last night she came to me, My dead love came in. So softly she came That her feet made no din. As she laid her hand on me, And this she did say: It will not be long, love, 'Til our wedding day.