Described by the London Evening Standard as ‘probably the finest independent choir in the world’, the choir values the freedom that independence brings, allowing them to work with the very best conductors, orchestras, and soloists, and to choose the music they perform. To date the choir has sung over 200 works in more than 80 venues and, 135 years on, continues to share its work with audiences around the world.
Good King Wenceslas
The Bach Choir Lyrics
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When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight, gath'ring winter fuel
Hither, page and stand by me, if thou know'st 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
Fails my heart, I know not how, I can go not longer.
Mark my footsteps, good my page! Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage, freeze thy blood less coldly
In his master's steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted
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
The lyrics to "Good King Wenceslas" tell the story of a benevolent king, King Wenceslas, who witnesses a poor man struggling in the harsh winter weather. The song is set on the Feast of Stephen, which is traditionally celebrated on December 26th, the day after Christmas.
As King Wenceslas looks out of his castle, he sees the snow that covers the ground, creating a deep and even layer. Despite the cruel frost, the moon shines brightly, illuminating the scene. In the distance, the king notices a poor man gathering firewood, struggling to keep warm.
The king calls his page to stand by him and asks him to identify the poor man and where he lives. The page informs the king that the poor man lives a league (approximately three miles) away, near the mountain, by Saint Agnes' fountain.
The page expresses concern about the worsening night and the strong winds, feeling unsure about continuing their journey. Sensing the page's hesitation, the king tells him to follow in his footsteps confidently, assuring him that the intensity of the winter's cold will be lessened when treading in the king's path. The heat in the ground, left by the saint's presence, is a metaphorical representation of the protection and warmth that following in the footsteps of a noble and righteous figure can provide.
The song ends with a moral message to all Christian men, highlighting the importance of helping the poor and less fortunate. It suggests that by blessing and assisting those in need, individuals themselves will find blessings and rewards.
Line by Line Meaning
Good King Wenceslas look'd out, on the Feast of Stephen
On the Feast of Stephen, Good King Wenceslas peered out
When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even
The snow covered the surroundings, deep and smooth
Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel
Despite the harsh frost, the moon illuminated the night
When a poor man came in sight, gath'ring winter fuel
A poor man could be seen gathering firewood
Hither, page and stand by me, if thou know'st it, telling
Come here, page, and stay with me; if you know, inform me
Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?
Who is that peasant over there? Where does he live and what is his story?
Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain
My lord, he resides a considerable distance away, beneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes' fountain
Just next to the forest boundary, near Saint Agnes' fountain
Sire, the night is darker now, and the wind blows stronger
My lord, the night has grown darker, and the wind has intensified
Fails my heart, I know not how, I can go not longer.
My heart weakens, I do not know how, I can no longer continue
Mark my footsteps, good my page! Tread thou in them boldly
Take note of my footprints, my loyal page! Walk confidently in them
Thou shalt find the winter's rage, freeze thy blood less coldly
You will encounter the harshness of winter, but it will not affect you as strongly
In his master's steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted
He followed in his master's footsteps, stepping where the snow had been pressed
Heat was in the very sod, which the saint had printed
Even the ground, where the saint had walked, retained warmth
Therefore, Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing
So, Christian men, regardless of your wealth or social status, be certain
Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing
Those of you who generously help the poor will also receive blessings
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@garyrodd4791
I find this Christmas carol to be of special meaning to me...Growing up in poverty, we did not have the luxury of material gifts, but we shared the Holiday spirit by sharing the spirit of family and food we normally could not afford.. such as cranberry/orange relish, turkey & stuffing & home made apple jack made by my father...Christmas was more about the meal we created than giving gifts..
@TheCallumw100
I looked it up and according to history Wenceslas did exist he was the duke of Bohemia and went round giving the poor, orphaned widowed and imprisoned gifts at evening.
@frantisekbuchta8902
I am from the Czech Republic and I think it is amazing how our history has penetrated even to England. We have really interesting history.
But I have some remarks:
1. St. Wenceslas (Václav I.) was a duke not a king, we had some kings, but they were kings until their death, so on succesion title was lost. That changed in year 1212 with document known as "Golden Bull of Sicily" (Zlatá bula Sicilská) which granted title of king even to descendants.
2. He is very controversial character of our history. Despite he was declared as saint, because he was very good Christian, some people and historians says that he didnt care about destiny of Bohemia in case of East Francia´s pressure on borders. But who knows, it is over thousand years ago, but legend about St. Wenceslas is immortal!
@ToddSF
The "Feast of Stephen", for those who might not know, is St. Stephen's Day, December 26, one of the "Twelve Days of Christmas". This carol is associated with December 26, since "Good King Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen". It's not a Christmas carol, but associated with the Christmas season nonetheless. One strange thing is the tune, which is taken from a Latin spring carol "Tempus adest floridem" which is all about springtime being the time when flowers bloom again. I've known "Good King Wenceslas" (who was actually a Duke during his lifetime) in this carol for so long, I can't think of the tune as a springtime song. I note that after his assassination at age 27 by his younger brother, Wenceslas the Duke was posthumously declare a King by the Pope as well as a saint, and the Duchy of Bohemia became the Kingdom of Bohemia, with Kings in charge ever after. Today, of course, most of Bohemia lies within the borders of the Czech Republic, also called Czechia, and St. Wenceslas is the patron saint of the Czechs. I wouldn't call this carol a hymn because it is never sung in church and, instead, it's a narrative that tells a story about a miracle associated with an act of charity, ending with a moral that instructs Christians to be charitable, because in giving to those in need, the giver will find a blessing.
@bowtiesarecool91011
The words were by an English guy.
The music's Scandanavian.
Wenceslas was five foot six.
He kept his face unshaven.
Though just a Duke throughout his life,
he always ruled so justly.
His kingly title was conferred
upon him posthumously.
@BeingRomans829ed
Learned this song for the Christmas play when I was a child over 40 years ago.
Still remember every word.
Brings back memories. Thanks for uploading.
Merry Christmas!
@aalennn1
God bless :)
@marendenison3391
“But his deeds I think you know better than I could tell you; for, as is read in his Passion, no one doubts that, rising every night from his noble bed, with bare feet and only one chamberlain, he went around to God’s churches and gave alms generously to widows, orphans, those in prison and afflicted by every difficulty, so much so that he was considered, not a prince, but the father of all the wretched.”
- Cosmas of Prague, about the reign of Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia, a.k.a. Good King Wenceslaus.
@smittysmeee
+Maren Denison Neat! Thank you for sharing this!
@smittysmeee
christopher snedeker Nope, if you listen to the lyrics beginning at 2:17, the line begins: "Mark my footsteps good, my page, tread thou in then boldly," meaning that the page ought to step carefully (i.e. "mark well") in his king's footprints, not that he is a "good page."