Good King Wenceslas
Eugene Ormandy: The Philadelphia Orchestra And Chorus Lyrics
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On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath'ring winter fuel
Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know'st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?
Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes' fountain
Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather
Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer.
Mark my footsteps, my good page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shall find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."
In his master's steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing
"Good King Wenceslas" is a beloved Christmas carol that tells the story of King Wenceslas I of Bohemia, who went out on a bitterly cold winter's night to provide aid to a poor peasant. The song was first published in 1853 and is based on a story about the historical figure of Wenceslas I, a 10th-century Christian prince who was known for his generosity to the poor. In this carol, the king's loyal servant or page fears the harsh winter cold but follows his master's tracks and finds that the snow is miraculously melted where the saint had walked. The singer then reminds listeners that, by showing kindness to the poor, they too will be blessed.
The carol's beautiful, memorable melody and inspirational message have made it a favorite of many generations. The song's story of charity and kindness has resonated with people worldwide, and it has been featured in countless films, television shows, and other media. The carol has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and it is often performed at Christmas concerts, church services, and other holiday events.
Line by Line Meaning
Good King Wenceslas looked out
The king named Wenceslas looked outside.
On the feast of Stephen
On the occasion of St. Stephen's Day.
When the snow lay roundabout
When the snow covered the ground around.
Deep and crisp and even
The snow was deep, crisp, and even.
Brightly shone the moon that night
The night had a bright moon.
Though the frost was cruel
Despite the very cold temperature.
When a poor man came in sight
When a poor man was spotted by the king.
Gath'ring winter fuel
Collecting wood for the winter.
Hither, page, and stand by me
Come here, page, and stand next to me.
If thou know'st it, telling
If you know who he is, tell me.
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Who is that peasant over there?
Where and what his dwelling?
Where and in what location does he live?
Sire, he lives a good league hence
He lives a long distance away.
Underneath the mountain
His house is situated under the mountain.
Right against the forest fence
His house is located near the forest fence.
By Saint Agnes' fountain
It is located by the fountain of Saint Agnes.
Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me meat and wine.
Bring me pine logs hither
Bring me some pine logs here.
Thou and I will see him dine
You and I will see him have dinner.
When we bear him thither
When we bring him there.
Page and monarch forth they went
The page and the king ventured out.
Forth they went together
They went out together.
Through the rude wind's wild lament
Despite the harsh wind and its howling.
And the bitter weather
And the unbearable weather.
Sire, the night is darker now
The night has become darker, Your Majesty.
And the wind blows stronger
The wind is blowing stronger.
Fails my heart, I know not how
My heart is failing, and I don't know why.
I can go no longer
I can't continue anymore.
Mark my footsteps, my good page
Follow my steps closely, my faithful page.
Tread thou in them boldly
Step into them boldly.
Thou shall find the winter's rage
You will experience the winter's wrath.
Freeze thy blood less coldly.
But it will be less cold due to my footsteps.
In his master's steps he trod
The page walked in the king's footsteps.
Where the snow lay dinted
Where the snow had been pushed down.
Heat was in the very sod
There was warmth emanating from the ground.
Which the Saint had printed
From the spot where the Saint had walked.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
So, Christian men, be certain.
Wealth or rank possessing
Whether you're wealthy or powerful.
Ye who now will bless the poor
If you bless the poor now.
Shall yourselves find blessing
You will find blessings for yourself.
Lyrics © DISK EYES MUSIC
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