Smokey Robinson and the Miracles was the performing and recording name from… Read Full Bio ↴Smokey Robinson and the Miracles was the performing and recording name from 1965 to 1972 of renowned American R&B/soul group The Miracles. From Detroit, Michigan, the band Miracles remain notable as the first successful group act for Berry Gordy's Motown Records. Over their career across the 1960s, 70s and 80s, the Miracles were one of Motown's signature acts with over forty top 40 R&B hits. Over the same time period, their original lead singer and founding member Smokey Robinson became one of the most successful songwriters and record producers of all time.

The hit songs "Do It Baby" and Love Machine (written by Billy Griffin & Pete Moore) were performed by Billy Griffin as the lead singer after the departure of original founder member Smokey Robinson.
http://myspace.com/billygriffinthemiracles

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Smokey Robinson and The Miracles Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
God rest ye merry, gentlemen
God rest ye merry, gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
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
God rest ye merry, gentlemen

How light in Bethlehem was born
A blessed baby boy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

God rest ye merry, gentlemen

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
God rest ye merry, gentlemen
On Christmas day

Overall Meaning

The song "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is a classic Christmas carol that was first published in 1833 by William B. Sandys, an English solicitor, and hymnologist. The lyrics of the song speak of the joy that comes with the birth of Christ, as well as the power of God to save his people from sin and Satan's hold. The repeated refrain of "God rest ye merry, gentlemen" is an old English saying that means "may God keep you joyful and prosperous."

In the first stanza, the song encourages the listener to remain strong and not be discouraged, as Christ was born on Christmas day to save us all. The second stanza explains how a blessed angel came to certain shepherds, to tell them that the son of God was born in Bethlehem. The chorus of "tidings of comfort and joy" demonstrates the hope and happiness that this news brings to the world. The third and final stanza repeats the melody and lyrics of the first, affirming the joy of Christ's birth and the importance of remembering this on Christmas day.

The song has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including Bing Crosby, Whitney Houston, and Pentatonix. It is also featured in several Christmas movies and TV shows, such as "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "The Office."

Line by Line Meaning

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
May you all have a peaceful and happy Christmas season

Let nothing you dismay
Do not be afraid or troubled by anything

Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Remember that Jesus Christ is our savior

Was born on Christmas day
He was born on this special holiday

To save us all from Satan's power
He came to save us from the influence of the devil

When we were gone astray
When we had lost our way

O tidings of comfort and joy,
This is a message of hope and happiness

Comfort and joy
Words of consolation and bliss

O tidings of comfort and joy
This is a message of hope and happiness

From God our heavenly father
A blessed message came from our divine creator in heaven

A blessed angel came
An angel with good news appeared