The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.
The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.
Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.
Caroling Caroling
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
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Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a wand'ring,
So fair to be seen.
Love and joy come to you,
And to your wassail too
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year,
We are not daily beggars
Who beg from door to door,
But we are neighbors' children,
Whom you have seen before.
God bless the Master of this house,
Likewise the Mistress too
And all the little children,
That round the table go.
Love and joy come to you,
And to your wassail too
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.
We are not daily beggars
Who beg from door to door,
But we are neighbors' children,
Whom you have seen before.
And all your kin and kinfolk
That dwell both far and near
We wish a Merry Christmas
And Happy New Year.
Love and joy come to you,
And to your wassail too
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.
We are not daily beggars
Who beg from door to door,
But we are neighbors' children,
Whom you have seen before.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's song "Here We Come A-Caroling" is a classic Christmas song that tells the story of a group of carolers spreading love, joy, and Christmas cheer. The group is seen wandering through the leaves of a green forest and they are described as fair to be seen. The carolers wish love and joy to those they meet along the way, as well as to the recipients' wassail bowl, which was a drink shared during the holiday season. The song also expresses blessings on the household they are visiting and all those who are present, including the children around the table.
The lyrics also reveal that the carolers are not begging for money or food, but are actually the children of neighbors who have been seen before. The carolers express gratitude to the Master and Mistress of the house and wish a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all kin and kinfolk far and near.
The song is a beautiful reminder of the traditions that have been passed down through generations and the importance of spreading love and joy during the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
Here we come a-caroling
We are here to spread joy and happiness through our caroling.
Among the leaves so green
We are surrounded by the beauty of nature as we sing.
Here we come a wand'ring
We are traveling from place to place, enjoying the journey as we go.
So fair to be seen.
We take pleasure in presenting ourselves as an attractive and joyful group.
Love and joy come to you,
We wish for you to experience love and joy in your life.
And to your wassail too
And we also wish you a happy and prosperous New Year.
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year,
May God bless you and send you wonderful things in the upcoming year.
And God send you a Happy New Year.
May God bless you with a happy and prosperous New Year.
We are not daily beggars
We are not here to beg for anything from you.
Who beg from door to door,
We are not begging for anything from house to house.
But we are neighbors' children,
We are the children of your neighbors.
Whom you have seen before.
You may recognize us from previous encounters.
God bless the Master of this house,
May God bless the owner of this house.
Likewise the Mistress too
May God bless the lady of this house as well.
And all the little children,
May God bless all the children in this household.
That round the table go.
May God bless those who gather here to share meals and companionship.
And all your kin and kinfolk
And may God bless all your relatives and loved ones.
That dwell both far and near
Whether close by or far away, may they all receive God’s blessings.
We wish a Merry Christmas
We send you our best wishes for a joyful Christmas season.
And Happy New Year.
And a happy and prosperous New Year as well.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BAGDASARIAN, TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Phillip Golden
Such a nice song. The way she sings it is great! Merry Christmas all!!!
FFG_NYCBEEZE_PONDUE
Lee Nedlog Thank you!
Ray J
This is my favorite version of the song!!! Natalie such a lovely voice
Stephen Teich
My favorite rendition of a favorite carol.
CARLPERU
When I listen to part when the children sing, it gives me hope that our children are the future of the world.
When I listen to the the adults, it makes me believe that we can do better and be good to one another. Merry Christmas. What a beautiful song.
FFG_NYCBEEZE_PONDUE
CARLPERU Classic.
Noe Berengena
One month before the start of summer 2020 and I am here to have an uplifting experience in the year of CoVid19. This is pure joy and I am thankful to everyone involved in this production. The MTC, the orchestra and of course Natalie. One day, I am sure, we will be celebrating the fullness of life again. Our hearts will turn to God Almighty and we will have enormous gratitude for our renewal. Let us never forget how much we have to be thankful for. Amen.
FFG_NYCBEEZE_PONDUE
Bless you & your Loved Ones!
Lil'Snookie
This my song. Gosh I love her voice
alfreda green
Wonderful! I love this! Natalie Cole is one of my favorite singers; God Rest her soul! I hope I can sing as good as her some day!