God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Barenaked Ladies feat. Sarah McLachlan Lyrics
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remember christ our savior 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.
Star of wonder/ star of night/ star of royal beauty bright
westward leading/ still proceeding/ guide us thy perfect light
Oh, the king on bethelehem's plain
gold i bring to crown him
king forever/ ceasing never
over us all to lay
Star of wonder/ star of night/ star with royal beauty bright
westward leading/ still proceeding/ guide us thy perfect light
Glorious now behold him arise/king in god in sacrifice
halleluhia, halleluhia, worship god most high
Star of wonder/ star of night/ star with royal beauty bright
westward leading/ still proceeding/ guide us thy perfect light
The song God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is an old Christmas carol that has been reworked and given new life by Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan. The opening lyrics "God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, remember Christ our Savior was born upon this day" are a call to action to remember the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of Jesus. The lyrics go on to explain that Jesus was born to save us all from Satan's power when we had gone astray. This idea of salvation is a central theme of Christianity and is one of the reasons why the birth of Jesus is so important to Christians.
The second verse of the song talks about how an angel came to certain shepherds and brought them tidings of Jesus' birth. The shepherds were told that in Bethlehem a baby had been born who was the son of God. The shepherds then went to Bethlehem and found Jesus lying in a manger. This idea of simple shepherds being the first to hear about the birth of Jesus is a powerful one and helps to emphasize the humility of Jesus' birth.
The final part of the song talks about the wise men who followed a star to find Jesus. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus. The star they followed is referred to as the "star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright". Overall, the song is a powerful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus.
Line by Line Meaning
God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay.
May peace be upon you, gentlemen. Do not be discouraged.
remember christ our savior was born upon this day, to save us all from satan's power when we were gone astray;
Remember that our savior, Christ was born today to rescue us from Satan's hold when we were lost.
o tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, o tidings of comfort and joy.
This news brings us comfort and happiness, the joy that is beyond measure.
From god our heavenly father, this blessed angel came.
An angel sent from our Father in heaven conveyed this message.
and unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same, how that in bethlehem was born the son of god by name;
This angel announced to a group of shepherds that the son of God was born in Bethlehem.
Star of wonder/ star of night/ star of royal beauty bright westward leading/ still proceeding/ guide us thy perfect light
A bright star guides us, leading us westwards. We follow it, relying on its perfect light.
Oh, the king on bethelehem's plain gold i bring to crown him king forever/ ceasing never over us all to lay
I bring gold to crown the king of Bethlehem. He shall reign over us forever, and his blessings shall never stop.
Glorious now behold him arise/king in god in sacrifice halleluhia, halleluhia, worship god most high
Now we can see the majestic king rise in front of us. He is the God of sacrifice, and we worship him, singing hallelujah, hallelujah.
Star of wonder/ star of night/ star with royal beauty bright westward leading/ still proceeding/ guide us thy perfect light
The bright star, with its royal beauty, continues to lead us forward, guiding us with its perfect light.
Writer(s): MANCINI HENRY N, TRADITIONAL
Contributed by Christopher E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@TALKINGtac0
The way they snuck We Three Kings in there was just exquisite. And who else but Sarah McLachlan to sing that part? Just beautiful.
@williamstyers4264
I don't generally like to hear traditional Christmas music rearranged a great deal, but Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLaclan hit this one out of the park. One of my favorite Christmas songs now.
@terryallan283
+William Styers YUP
@cathlinhess2500
+William Styers - this was recorded many years ago in Detroit, backstage after a concert - they just opened up a jam, and ta da! Pretty awesome :-)
@amandakuhlman3723
YES! I heard this a few years ago for the first time and played it over and over again until my family wanted to strangle me! now I can get my eight year old son to sing parts along with me!
@bwturner1951
+Jack Calvert Ditto!
@tmsmileyful
William Styers
@matttennis
My favorite version of this song. Sarah McLachlan's voice is angelic.
@lillysinghandsweeettailsfa278
Me too
@bobbyb7979
Me three!