Oh, yes. It's that time of year again. Er, well, I guess it could've been anytime of year. Because anytime is a good time for God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen!
Can't you already hear the pounding of that lovely song played by the talented fingers of yours truly? Oh yes, I believe such talent will live on infamy for a long time...
But I didn't even think to check this song for obscure lyrics! What was I thinking? I should've realized because my current favorite version of this song includes an additional verse:
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
In case you were wondering, the "tidings of comfort and joy" is the chorus, and doesn't change. Er, well, it doesn't change between verses--but apparently the chorus has not always been as we sing it now.
And: there are NINE verses!
I'm not going to print them all here because that would be a little ridiculous. And the reality is that all of my information would come directly from the Hymns and Carols of Christmas website, which has the most extensive discussion of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen that I have ever seen. Or possibly could have even imagined. Seriously.
Prime example: There has been, apparently, a firestorm of controversy on where the comma goes in the title of the song. Is it: God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen? Suggesting that it be the merry gentlemen (and perhaps only those truly merry ones) who get some rest? Or is it: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen? As in, may God provide you merry rest (in heaven)?
Who knew that I was only pounding out (again & again) the most popular Christmas carol of all London?
oh, and have you checked your Inbox today? You should have a tiny stocking stuffer or two in there, to get this holiday started! Please share with the Mr. as appropriate...
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