Idol began his music career in late 1976 as a guitarist in the punk rock band Chelsea. However, he soon left the group. With his former bandmate Tony James, Idol formed Generation X. With Idol as lead singer, the band achieved success in the United Kingdom and released three studio albums on Chrysalis Records, then disbanded. In 1981, Idol moved to New York City to pursue his solo career in collaboration with guitarist Steve Stevens. His debut studio album, Billy Idol (1982), was a commercial success. With music videos for singles "Dancing with Myself" and "White Wedding" Idol soon became a staple of then newly-established MTV.
Idol's second studio album, Rebel Yell (1983), was a major commercial success, featuring hit singles "Rebel Yell" and "Eyes Without a Face". The album was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipment of two million copies in the US. In 1986, he released Whiplash Smile. Having accumulated three UK top 10 singles ("Rebel Yell", "White Wedding" and "Mony Mony"), Idol released a 1988 greatest hits album titled Idol Songs: 11 of the Best; the album went platinum in the United Kingdom. Idol then released Charmed Life (1990) and the concept album Cyberpunk (1993).
Idol spent the second half of the 1990s focusing on his personal life out of the public eye. He made a musical comeback with the release of Devil's Playground (2005) and again with Kings & Queens of the Underground (2014).
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Billy Idol Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let nothing you dismay
For Christ, our royal 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,
Comfort and joy
In Bethlehem, in Israel,
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
Of which His Mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O 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.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
For Christ, our royal 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,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
The song God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is a classic Christmas carol that has been around for centuries. It speaks of the birth of Christ and the message of hope that his birth brings. The song begins with an admonishment to "rest ye merry gentlemen" and not to be dismayed because Christ, our "royal Savior" was born on Christmas day to save us from Satan's power. The message is that Christ's birth is a reason for hope and joy in the world.
The second verse speaks of the details of Christ's birth - how he was born in Bethlehem, laid in a manger and his mother Mary did not scorn this humble birth. The final verse repeats the message of the first verse and encourages listeners to take comfort in the fact that Christ was born to save us all from Satan's power. The simple, repetitive melody of the song is perfect for singing along and spreading the message of joy and hope to all in this holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
God rest ye merry gentlemen
May God grant you peace and happiness, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Do not feel discouraged or disheartened
For Christ, our royal Saviour
Because Christ, our chosen one and leader
Was born on Christmas day
Came to life on the day we celebrate as Christmas
To save us all from Satan's power
To rescue us from the influence of Satan
When we were gone astray
When we were lost or misguided
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Oh, news that brings happiness and relief
Comfort and joy
Feelings of solace and delight
In Bethlehem, in Israel,
In the town of Bethlehem, located in Israel
This blessed Babe was born
A holy infant child was brought into this world
And laid within a manger
And placed in a feeding trough for animals
Upon this blessed morn
On this sacred morning
Of which His Mother Mary
To whom his mother, Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
Did not view with contempt or ridicule
From God our Heavenly Father
From God, who is our Father in heaven
A blessed Angel came;
A divine messenger was sent
And unto certain Shepherds
And appeared to a specific group of shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
Delivered the same message
How that in Bethlehem was born
That a child was born in Bethlehem
The Son of God by Name.
Who is named the Son of God
Contributed by Wyatt Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Erik Bananaman
Billys voice is on point!
GELIS David
M va
PilcrowDesigns
Didn't know how this was going to go.. But damn, this is fantastic!
LeCrenn
Exactly. Same here.
Chris Beard
Billy never disappoints.
Zuly Nelson
Wow!!!!! His voice!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
deeayecee
What a voice ❤
Delia Mettal
AWESOME VOICE Mr. IDOL 🤘
Bugeanu Florin
Magical voice, excellent song, thank you, good time for you
Bite Me
Wow!!! Excellent , gave me chills!!