God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Barenaked Ladies/S. MacLachlan Lyrics


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God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ our Saviour was born upon this 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
From God our heavenly Father this 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

O, star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light

Born a king on Bethlehem's plain, gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign

O, star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light

Glorious now, behold Him arise
King and God and sacrifice
Hallelujah! Hallelujah, worshipping God most high

O, star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light

God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay




God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Barenaked Ladies' version of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen / We Three Kings combines two classic Christmas carols into one medley. The song begins with the traditional God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, which urges those listening to be at peace and not be worried or dismayed. The song then speaks of the birth of Christ, who has come to save those who have gone astray from Satan's power. The lyrics focus on the good news that brings comfort and joy to all.


The second part of the song incorporates We Three Kings, as the lyrics reference the star of Bethlehem that guided the wise men to the birthplace of Jesus. The song shows the wise men bringing gifts of gold to crown the newborn king. The lyrics also reference the king's eventual reign over all. The final verses of the song glorify Jesus as the king and god who was sacrificed for all humanity.


Overall, Barenaked Ladies' rendition of these traditional Christmas carols emphasizes the importance of the birth of Jesus and the joy and hope that it brings to those who believe in him.


Line by Line Meaning

God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
May you all have peaceful, joyful hearts and not be discouraged by anything


Remember, Christ our Saviour was born upon this day
On this day, we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ


To save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray
Jesus was born to rescue us from the grip of Satan when we had lost our way


O, tidings of comfort and joy
What wonderful news of comfort and joy


From God our heavenly Father this blessed angel came
An angel sent by God, the Father in Heaven, brought these tidings


And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same
The angel announced this news to some shepherds


How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name
The news was that the Son of God was born in Bethlehem


O, star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright
Oh, star that inspires awe and wonder, shining brightly in the night sky with a majestic radiance


Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light
Guide us on our journey, leading us westward toward the perfect light you shine


Born a king on Bethlehem's plain, gold I bring to crown Him again
He was born a king on a plain in Bethlehem, and I bring gold to crown Him again


King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign
He is the king for all time, never to be replaced, and reigns over all of us


Glorious now, behold Him arise
Now we can see Him, glorious and magnificent


King and God and sacrifice
He is the King, the Son of God, and the ultimate sacrifice


Hallelujah! Hallelujah, worshipping God most high
Praise the Lord, worshiping the highest God


God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
May you all have peaceful, joyful hearts and not be discouraged by anything


God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
May you all have peaceful, joyful hearts and not be discouraged by anything


God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
May you all have peaceful, joyful hearts and not be discouraged by anything




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Steven Page, Ed Robertson, Kevin Hearn, Jim Creeggan, Tyler Stewart, Dominio Publico

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

So uplifting and beautiful!! The harmonies are insane!! 😍 This will forever be the best cover. 🏆

LA Lover

Saved to playlist. Love Sarah's haunting voice on this version!

BuckFlicks

Man... I had no idea this album existed, but I've been looking for something traditional but different to sing and play on guitar at the family Christmas next weekend. Jackpot.

Jennifer Cline

Same here, glad I found i

ThePineryGuy

great Christmas music 😊

Annette Farrell

Absolutely the best version of this beautiful Christmas song - my very favorite!!! Merry Christmas!!🎄

Erin Trifaro _ Staff - BrassfieldES

Such a wonderful, uplifting rendition! Loved it the first time I heard it and love it as much everytime I hear it. A Christmas must.

Lina Inverse

One of my favorite Christmas songs, great job guys

smiley27b

Still love love love this version! 🤩🎄✝️🌟

Jim McGinley

Sacrilege! This version cuts off a few seconds early! On the original CD (we own it) Sarah continues with an extra "bop"- feels like she fell behind a little bit and is desperately trying to catch up :) It's the best part of an already great song!

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