God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Ronnie James Dio Tony Iommi Rudy Sarzo & Simon Wright Lyrics

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God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ, the savior
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

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
Remember Christ, the savior
He 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
Tidings of comfort, comfort and joy

God rest you

God take you
God make you merry, gentlemen

Overall Meaning

The song "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is a traditional Christmas carol that has been reinterpreted by many artists over the years. In this version by Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Rudy Sarzo, and Simon Wright, the lyrics speak of the birth of Jesus Christ and his mission to save humanity from Satan's power. The song is a message of hope and joy that encourages people to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

The opening stanza of the song urges the "merry gentlemen" to rest and not be dismayed, as the savior has been born on Christmas day to save humanity from the clutches of Satan. The second stanza talks about how an angel brought the good news of Christ's birth to the shepherds in Bethlehem. The final stanza again urges the "merry gentlemen" to be joyful and merry, as they remember the birth of Christ and the salvation he brings.

The song has a timeless quality that comes from its simple yet powerful lyrics, which speak directly to the heart. It is a reminder that Christmas is not just about the presents, but about the hope and joy that Christ's birth brings. This version by Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Rudy Sarzo, and Simon Wright adds a rock spin to a traditional carol, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Line by Line Meaning

God rest ye merry gentlemen
May God bring you peace and happiness, gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay
Don't be discouraged by anything

Remember Christ, the savior
Recall that Jesus is the one who saves us

Was born on Christmas day
He was born on December 25th

To save us all from Satan's power
He came to rescue us from Satan's grip

When we were gone astray
At a time when we were lost

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy
Oh, what wonderful news that brings both consolation and delight

From God, our heavenly father
An angel sent by our father in heaven

A blessed angel came
A divine messenger arrived

And unto certain shepherds
And spoke to some shepherds

Brought tidings of the same
Shared the same joyous news