Deck The Halls
Nat King Cole;Arranged & Conducted by Ralph Carmichael Lyrics
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Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
Troll the ancient Yule-tide carol
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
See the blazing Yule before us
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Strike the harp and join the chorus
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Follow me in merry measure
Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
While I tell of Yule-tide treasure
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
The lyrics of "Deck the Hall" were written in the 18th century in Wales, where the practice of decorating homes with boughs of holly and other greenery was popular during the holiday season. The song celebrates this tradition, encouraging people to adorn their halls with the festive greens and enjoy the merriment of the Yuletide season.
In the lyrics, the phrase "Don we now our gay apparel" refers to dressing up in colorful and festive clothing for the occasion. The word "gay" had a different connotation at the time the song was written, and simply meant happy or joyful.
"Troll the ancient Yule-tide carol" refers to singing and enjoying old-fashioned Christmas carols, which were an important part of the holiday celebration. The word "troll" here does not mean to harass or provoke, but rather to sing in a joyful and vibrant manner.
Overall, the lyrics of "Deck the Hall" capture the joy and festivity of the holiday season, calling on people to come together, decorate, sing, and enjoy the Yuletide treasures.
Line by Line Meaning
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Let's decorate the halls with holly branches to make them look festive and beautiful
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Let's sing and be joyful during this holiday season
'Tis the season to be jolly
It's time to be happy and celebrate the holidays
Don we now our gay apparel
Let's put on our most colorful and festive clothes to get into the mood of the holiday
Troll the ancient Yule-tide carol
Let's sing traditional holiday songs that have been around for centuries to honor our ancestors and keep their traditions alive
See the blazing Yule before us
Look at the bright and warm fire that is burning in the hearth, warming up our home and hearts
Strike the harp and join the chorus
Let's play music together and sing along to create a harmonious and joyous atmosphere
Follow me in merry measure
Join me in this jolly dance and move to the rhythm of the music
While I tell of Yule-tide treasure
Listen to me as I tell stories of the magical and special traditions and celebrations of the holiday season
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Nat King Cole, Edith Bergdahl
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind