Good King Wenceslas
Simon Keenlyside (treble) Richard Suart (bass) Stephen Cleobury (organ) & Choir of St. John's Colleg Lyrics
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On the feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about,
Deep and crisp and even.
Brightly shown the moon that night,
Though the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight,
Gathering winter fuel.
Hither, page, and stand by me.
If thou know 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 the 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.
Ark my footsteps my good page,
Tread thou in them boldly:
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly.
In his master's step he trod,
Where the snow lay dented.
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 Christmas carol that tells the story of a benevolent king, King Wenceslas, who goes out on the feast of Stephen (December 26th) to help a poor man gather firewood during a bitterly cold winter night. The lyrics describe the scene as the king observes the snowy landscape while the moon shines brightly. Despite the harsh frost, the king notices a poor man who is gathering winter fuel.
The king calls his page and asks him about the identity and whereabouts of the peasant. The page tells the king that the peasant lives some distance away, beneath the mountain and near Saint Agnes' fountain. The king then instructs the page to bring provisions such as flesh and wine, as well as pine logs, so that they may go and dine with the peasant.
The page and the king then set out together, facing the strong and bitter winds of the night. However, as they progress, the page becomes weary and expresses his struggle to continue. The king encourages the page to follow in his footsteps, assuring him that by doing so, he will feel the winter's rage less coldly.
The page takes the king's advice and walks in his footsteps, realizing that there is a warmth left behind in the snow where the king had walked. This warmth is attributed to the saintly presence of King Wenceslas. The song concludes with the reminder that those who bless the poor will themselves find blessings, emphasizing the importance of helping those in need.
Overall, "Good King Wenceslas" portrays the kindness and generosity of King Wenceslas, who selflessly ventures into the harsh winter weather to assist a poor man. The lyrics also convey the Christian message of compassion and the idea that helping others leads to personal blessings.
Line by Line Meaning
Good King Wenceslas looked out
The compassionate King Wenceslas gazed outside
On the feast of Stephen
During the celebration of Saint Stephen's Day
When the snow lay round about
With the snow covering the surroundings
Deep and crisp and even
Thick, cold, and smooth
Brightly shone the moon that night
The moon emitted a radiant light
Though the frost was cruel
Despite the harshness of the freezing temperatures
When a poor man came in sight
When a destitute man appeared
Gathering winter fuel
Collecting materials to keep warm during winter
Hither, page, and stand by me
Come here, young servant, and stay by my side
If thou know it telling
If you are aware, tell me
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Who is that peasant over there?
Where and what his dwelling?
Where does he live and what is his home like?
Sire, he lives a good league hence
Sir, he resides a considerable distance away
Underneath the mountain
Beneath the towering mountain
Right against the forest fence
Directly beside the barrier of the forest
By Saint Agnes fountain
Near the fountain dedicated to Saint Agnes
Bring me flesh, and bring me wine
Fetch me some food and wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Bring me pine logs here
Thou and I will see him dine
You and I will witness him having a meal
When we bear them thither
As we carry them there
Page and monarch, forth they went
The servant and the king, stepped forward
Forth they went together
They departed as a united pair
Through the rude wind's wild lament
Amidst the harsh wind's chaotic mourning
And the bitter weather
And the harsh climate conditions
Sire, the night is darker now
Sir, the night has become even darker
And the wind blows stronger
And the wind blows fiercer
Fails my heart, I know not how
My courage falters, I cannot explain why
I can go no longer
I am unable to continue any further
Mark my footsteps, my good page
Take note of my footprints, my loyal servant
Tread thou in them boldly
Walk confidently in my tracks
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
You shall experience the winter's fury
Freeze thy blood less coldly
But your blood will freeze less severely
In his master's steps he trod
He followed in his master's footsteps
Where the snow lay dented
Where the snow was marked
Heat was in the very sod
There was warmth in the ground itself
Which the saint had printed
Which the saint had left imprints on
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Hence, be certain, fellow Christians
Wealth or rank possessing
Whether possessing wealth or high social status
Ye who now will bless the poor
Those of you who currently offer blessings to the impoverished
Shall yourselves find blessing
You shall also discover blessings for yourselves
Lyrics © Starshine Music, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TONY ALLEN, DONIE CASSIDY, MICK FOSTER, JOHN MASON NEALE, UNKNOWN COMPOSER AUTHOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind