Unlike most boy bands, they formed independently and were later picked up by a record label, rather than being assembled by a label or a producer. They have sold over 10 million records worldwide and achieved eight top 40 singles in the U.S.
The group reunited for a one-time performance at Mixtape Festival in Hershey, PA in August 2012.
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
98 Degrees Lyrics
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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,
O tidings of comfort and joy!
From God our heavenly Father
A blessed angel came;
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tiding of the same;
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name.
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 others doth deface.
The lyrics of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen are steeped in the Christian tradition, and the song is a testament to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The song starts with an exhortation to merry gentlemen to rest and not be discouraged. This statement may be interpreted as an encouragement to those who have been in fear or despondency to bear in mind that the coming of Jesus is close and might bring a ray of hope.
The next stanza reminds the listeners once again of the reason for the celebration. It talks about the birth of Christ, whose purpose for coming to earth was to save humanity from the bondage of Satan. Thus, the stanza speaks directly to the redemptive message of Christ's birth, emphasizing that this event is a significant moment in the history of mankind.
Line by Line Meaning
God rest ye merry gentlemen,
May God give you merry gentlemen rest and peace.
Let nothing you dismay,
Do not be discouraged by anything.
Remember Christ our Saviour
Recall that Christ is our savior.
Was born on Christmas Day;
He was born on the day of Christmas.
To save us all from Satan's power
He came to rescue us from Satan's grasp.
When we were gone astray.
When we were lost and wandering.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Oh, what wonderful news that brings comfort and happiness!
Comfort and joy,
The news brings comfort and happiness.
O tidings of comfort and joy!
This wonderful news truly brings comfort and happiness!
From God our heavenly Father
The message came from our divine father in heaven.
A blessed angel came;
An angel, full of blessings, came down from heaven.
And unto certain shepherds
The angel spoke to specific shepherds.
Brought tiding of the same;
The angel also shared the same wonderful news.
How that in Bethlehem was born
That's where the Son of God was born.
The Son of God by name.
The son of God, and his name is Jesus.
Now to the Lord sing praises,
Praise the Lord with song.
All you within this place,
Everyone in this location.
And with true love and brotherhood
With genuine love and a sense of brotherhood.
Each other now embrace;
It's time to embrace one another.
This holy tide of Christmas
The holy holiday of Christmas.
All others doth deface.
No other holiday can compare to Christmas.
Contributed by Benjamin I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.