Now rest thee, Merry Gentle Man

Now rest thee, Merry Gentle Man, let nothing thee dismay
Remember that your Saviour was born on this here day
To stop you fall for 'luring Darkness leading man astray.

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.


In Newport in the South of Wales thou blessèd Babe was born
Laid in a modern manger upon this blessèd morn;
The which four siblings would suggest something was took in scorn!

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.


From Pete thy loving Father a speedy email came:
”I'm working late and won't be home until I've won the game!”
”Another mouth to feed is fine – just find a merry name ...”

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.


”Fear not,” said Mother Anna, ”Thy son will be alright.”
”He'll make his name become his game and take it in his stride.”
”To count in the tally of the world - make joy outnumber fright!”

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.


His siblings at those tidings rejoiced much in their mind
”Another one to play around with - goody what a find!”
But slowly thou gained thy own ground and set them straight in kind ...

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.


Think not on coming trouble, Merry, but enjoy the day
Make mighty plans for tomorrow but in the present stay
As long as the world is spinning plans can turn to Hay!

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.


Marry not with melancholy 'spite ups and downs of life
Thou will find peace in some Mary to be a merry wife!
Make thy mark and better the world, but most let life be rife.

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.


Now to your brother praises sing you all within this place
And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace
On this day Merry is the boss: All others doth deface!

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.


O bless the ruler of this house, and send him/her long to reign,
And many a merry Birthday may live to see again;
Among your friends and kindred that live both far and near -

That everybody gets a happy year, a happy year,
Let everybody get a happy year!