Aly & AJ (once known as 78violet) are an American pop duo consisting of si… Read Full Bio ↴Aly & AJ (once known as 78violet) are an American pop duo consisting of sisters Alyson Renae "Aly" Michalka and Amanda Joy "AJ" Michalka. They were born in Torrance, California. They are both actresses, singer-songwriters, guitarists and pianists.

The duo's debut album Into The Rush was released in 2005 and charted at #36 in the US. Holiday album Acoustic Hearts Of Winter followed in 2006 before their second studio album Insomniatic in 2007. In July 2009, the duo announced that they had officially changed their name to 78violet and would be introducing a more mature sound to their music. They released the single and self-produced the music video for Hothouse in 2013.

On December 9, 2015, they announced that they are again Aly & AJ. The EP Ten Years -
EP was released on November 17, 2017. Their follow-up Sanctuary -
EP was released on May 10, 2019.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Aly & AJ Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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
Oh tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy

Oh 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.
Oh tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
Oh 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.
Oh tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
Oh 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.
Oh tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Overall Meaning

Aly & AJ's rendition of the classic Christmas carol, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is a beautiful and haunting interpretation that captures the essence of the original song. The lyrics are rich with meaning and history, telling the story of the birth of Jesus Christ and the joy and comfort that his arrival brought to the world.

The song begins by urging listeners to remain calm and not be distraught, for Christ, the savior of the world, has been born. He has come to save us all from Satan's power, leading us away from our sin and back into the loving embrace of God. This knowledge brings comfort and joy to all who hear it, reminding us that there is hope even in the darkest of times.

The second verse tells of how the news of Jesus' birth was first announced to shepherds in Bethlehem by a blessed angel sent from God. The birth of Christ was a momentous occasion, and the arrival of the angel was a sign that something special was happening. The shepherds were told that the Son of God had been born, and this news set in motion a series of events that would change the world forever.

The final verse urges listeners to sing praises to the Lord and to embrace each other with true love and brotherhood. Christmas is a time when people come together to celebrate and spread joy, and this song reminds us that the true meaning of the season is the love and hope that Jesus Christ brings to the world.

Line by Line Meaning

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
May God give you peace and joy, gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay
Do not be discouraged by anything

Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Recall that Jesus Christ, our Redeemer

Was born on Christmas day
Was born on this day which we celebrate as Christmas

To save us all from Satan's power
To rescue us from the grasp of the devil

When we were gone astray
When we had lost our way

Oh tidings of comfort and joy,
Good news of solace and elation

From God our Heavenly Father
A message of encouragement from our Father in Heaven

A blessed Angel came,
A divine celestial being arrived

And unto certain Shepherds
And announced to some shepherds

Brought tidings of the same:
Delivered the same news