God Rest Ye Merry Gents
Sinatra & Crosby Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

God rest you merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray

(Oh tidings of comfort and joy)

(Comfort and joy, o tidings of comfort and joy)

In Bethlehem in Jewry
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn

The which His Mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn

(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)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" are a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas, as well as a call to hope and joy. The chorus of "tidings of comfort and joy" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the good news and glad tidings that come with the birth of Christ.

The first verse urges the listener to stay merry and not be dismayed, reminding them of the salvation that came with the birth of Christ on Christmas Day. The second verse tells the story of the birth itself, with Mary accepting and caring for her blessed son despite the humble and unexpected circumstances.

The third verse emphasizes the divine origins of the birth, with an angel bringing tidings of the Son of God's birth to shepherds in Bethlehem. The song concludes with one more chorus of "tidings of comfort and joy," a reminder that despite our troubles, we can still find hope and happiness in the knowledge of the Christmas story.

Line by Line Meaning

God rest you merry, gentlemen
May you gentlemen rest in peace and happiness

Let nothing you dismay
Do not be discouraged by anything

Remember Christ our Savior
Keep in mind that Christ is our rescuer

Was born on Christmas Day
He was born on this special day of celebration

To save us all from Satan's power
To rescue us from the influence of Satan

When we were gone astray
When we were lost and misguided

(Oh tidings of comfort and joy)
(Oh, what wonderful news that brings peace and happiness)

(Comfort and joy, o tidings of comfort and joy)
(Peace and happiness, what wonderful news that brings peace and happiness)

In Bethlehem in Jewry
In Bethlehem in Judea

This blessed Babe was born
This fortunate child was born

And laid within a manger
And placed in a feeding trough for animals

Upon this blessed morn
On this fortunate morning

The which His Mother Mary
His mother, Mary

Did nothing take in scorn
Did not reject anything

(O tidings of comfort and joy)
(Oh, what wonderful news that brings peace and happiness)

(Comfort and joy o tidings of comfort and joy)
(Peace and happiness, what wonderful news that brings peace and happiness)

From God our Heavenly Father
From God, our God in heaven

A blessed Angel came
A fortunate angel appeared

And unto certain shepherds
And to some shepherds

Brought tidings of the same
Delivered the same wonderful news

How that in Bethlehem was born
That in Bethlehem a fortunate birth occurred

The Son of God by name
The son of God, named Jesus

(O tidings of comfort and joy)
(Oh, what wonderful news that brings peace and happiness)

(Comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy)
(Peace and happiness, what wonderful news that brings peace and happiness)

Lyrics © Phonographic Digital Limited (PDL), DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Integrity Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Traditional

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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