Yule Songs from Pagan Digest
Thanks to Walking Stick & Uther Locksley (uther@DRYCAS.CLUB.CC.CMU.EDU)
You may copy & distribute freely, but give credit where credit
is due.
A HOLLY JOLLY YULETIDE
CAROL OF THE BELLS
CHANUKAH/SOLSTICE
CHESTNUTS ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE
CHRISTMAS TIME IS PAGAN!
DANCING IN A WICCAN WONDERLAND
DECK THE HALLS
DONA NOBIS PACEM
FROSTY THE SNOWMAN
GLORIA
GLORY TO THE NEW BORN KING
GODS BLESS YE MERRY PAGANFOLK
GOD REST YE MERRY PAGANFOLK
GOOD KING WENCESLAS I
GOOD KING WENCESLAS II
HARK THE NEO-PAGANS SING
HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE YULETIDE
HERE WE COME A-WASSAILING
JINGLE BELL ROCK
JINGLE BELLS
JOY TO THE WORLD I
JOY TO THE WORLD II
JOY TO THE WORLD III
MOON OF SILVER I
MOON OF SILVER II
O TANNENBAUM I
O TANNENBAUM II
OH, COME ALL YE FAITHFUL
OH HOLY NIGHT I
OH HOLY NIGHT II
OH HOLY NIGHT III
ONE MORE CHRISTMAS TREE
OUR LADY GREENSLEEVES
SHARE THE LIGHT
SILENT NIGHT
SILVER AND GOLD
SILVER BELLS
SLEIGH RIDE
THE HOLLY AND THE IVY I
THE HOLLY AND THE IVY II
THE HOLLY AND THE IVY III
THE HOLLY AND THE IVY IV
THE SOLSTICE CHILD
THE THIRTEEN DAYS OF SOLSTICE
THE TWELVE DAYS OF YULETIDE
TRIPLE SOLSTICE GODDESS
UP ON THE HOUSETOP
WE THREE CRONES
WE WISH YOU A MERRY SOLSTICE
WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
YULE FIRES
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A HOLLY JOLLY YULETIDE
Words and Music by Johnny Marks
Adapted by Susan M. Shaw
Have a holly jolly Yuletide
It's the best time of the year
I don't know if there'll be snow
But have a cup of cheer
Have a holly jolly Yuletide
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And ev'ryone you meet
Oh, ho, the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me
Have a holly jolly Yuletide
and in case you didn't hear
Oh, by golly have a holly jolly Yuletide
This year!
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CAROL OF THE BELLS
Words by Hilda Marshall
Traditional Ukranian Carol
Hark! How the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say, "Throw cares away."
Yuletide is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold
Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song,
With joyful ring, all caroling
One seems to hear words of good cheer
From everywhere, filling the air
O, how they pound, raising the sound
O'er hill and dale, telling their tale
Gaily they ring, while people sing
Songs of good cheer, Yuletide is here!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Yuletide!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Yuletide!
On, on they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home
Hark! How the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say, "Throw cares away."
Yuletide is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold
Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song
With joyful ring, all caroling.
One seems to hear words of good cheer
From everywhere, filling the air
O, how they pound, raising the sound
O'er hill and dale, telling their tale
Gaily they ring, while people sing
Songs of good cheer, Yuletide is here!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Yuletide!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Yuletide!
On, on they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home.
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CHANUKAH/SOLSTICE
Written by Linda Hirschhorn
Recorded on 'Gather Round: Songs of Celebration And Renewal'
Turning turning spirits yearning
Reaching for the night
Colors going, shadows growing
Darkening the night
Ancient story told, renewed with the cold
Mystery of light, burnt into the night
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CHESTNUTS ROASING ON AN OPEN FIRE
Words by Robert Wells, adapted by Susan M. Shaw
Music by Mel Torme
Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all a glow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And ev'ry mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
"Merry Yuletide to you!"
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CHRISTMAS TIME IS PAGAN!
Tune: Gloria in Excelsius Deo
Christmas time is here again,
Decorations everywhere.
Christmas carols ringing out,
Gentle pagans, we don't care.
Chorus:
Glorious!
Christmas time is pagan!
Glorious!
Christmas time is pagan!
Modern folks all celebrate
What they learned in Sunday School.
In December, they don't know
They are celebrating Yule!
Chorus
Let them have their Christmas trees,
Decked in red and green and blue.
We rejoice at every one!
Christmas trees are pagan, too.
Chorus
Bowls of bubbly Christmas cheer,
Fill your cup and quench your thirst.
They think the tradition's theirs.
Wassail bowls were pagan, first.
Chorus
Every door and window bears
Wreaths of holly, wreaths of pine.
Circles represent the Sun.
Every wreath is yours and mine.
Chorus
Christmas lights on Christmas trees,
Candle flames burn higher and higher,
Let us cheer along, my friends,
As they light their Yuletide fire.
Chorus
There's a possibility
That this song is yours and mine
'Cause the tune was known to all
Back in A.D. one-two-nine.
Chorus
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DANCING IN A WICCAN WONDERLAND
"Alexander & Aarcher"
Pagans sing, are you listenin',
Altar's set,candles glisten,
It's a Magickal night, we're having tonight,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland
Chorus:
In a Circle we can light a Yule Fire,
And await the rising of the Sun,
It's the Great Wheel turning for the new year,
Loaded with abundance and great fun.
Blades held high, censer smoking,
God and Goddess, we're invoking,
Through Elements Five, we celebrate life,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland,
Queen of Heaven, is in Her place,
Triple Goddess, now the Crone Face,
Above and Below, She's the Goddess we know,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland
Chorus
Now the God, is the Provider,
Supplying game for our Fire,
Above and Below, He's the Horned One we Know,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland
Later on, by the fire,
Cone of Power, gettin' higher
It's a Magickal Night we're having tonight,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland
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DECK THE HALLS
Traditional
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la la la la la
Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la la la la la
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa la la la la la la la la
Troll the ancient Yuletide carols
Fa la la la la la la la la
See the blazing Yule before us
Fa la la la la la la la la
Strike the harp and join the chorus
Fa la la la la la la la la
Follow me in merry measure
Fa la la la la la la la la
While I tell of Yuletide treasure
Fa la la la la la la la la
Fast away the old year passes
Fa la la la la la la la la
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses
Fa la la la la la la la la
Sing we joyous all together
Fa la la la la la la la la
Heedless of the wind and weather
Fa la la la la la la la la
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DONA NOBIS PACEM
(Grant Us Peace)
Dona nobis pacem, pacem
Dona nobis pacem
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FROSTY THE SNOWMAN
Words and Music by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins
Frosty the Snowman was a jolly happy soul
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
And two eyes made out of coal
Frosty the Snowman was a fairy tale, they say
He was made of snow, but the children know
How he came to life one day
There must have been some magic
In that old top hat they found
For when they placed it on his head
He began to dance around!
Frosty the Snowman was alive as he could be
And the children say he could laugh and play
Just the same as you and me
He led them down the streets of town
Right to the traffic cop
And he only paused a moment when
He heard her holler, "Stop!"
Frosty the Snowman had to hurry on his way
But he said goodbye, saying
"Don't you cry, I'll be back again some day!"
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GLORIA
Ellen Reed
Snow lies deep upon the Earth
Still our voices warmly sing
Heralding the glorious birth
Of the Child, the Winter King
Chorus:
Glo -- ria!
In excelsis Deo!
Glo -- ria!
In excelsis Dea!
Our triumphant voices claim
Joy and hope and love renewed
And our Lady's glad refrain
Answer Winter's solitude
Chorus
In Her arms a holy Child
Promises a glowing Light
Through the winter wind so wild
He proclaims the growing Light.
Chorus
Now the turning of the year
Of the greater Turning sings
Passing age of cold and fear
Soon our golden summer brings.
Chorus
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GLORY TO THE NEW BORN KING
Ellen Reed (1st verse)
Brothers, sisters, come to sing
Glory to the new-born King!
Gardens peaceful, forests wild
Celebrate the Winter Child!
Now the time of glowing starts!
Joyful hands and joyful hearts!
Cheer the Yule log as it burns!
For once again the Sun returns!
Brothers, sisters, come and sing!
Glory to the new-born King!
Brothers, sisters, singing come
Glory to the newborn Sun
Through the wind and dark of night
Celebrate the coming light.
Suns glad rays through fear's cold burns
Life through death the Wheel now turns
Gather round the Yule log and tree
Celebrate Life's mystery
Brothers, sisters, singing come
Glory to the new-born Sun.
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GODS BLESS YE MERRY PAGANFOLK
Words by Anie Burke-Webb
Tune: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Gods bless ye merry, Paganfolk
Let nothing you afright
There's naught but peace will touch us here
On this the longest night
For our Great Mother will give birth
And turn the dark to light
Chorus:
And the Wheel's turning round and round
Round and round.
And the Wheel's turning round and round.
Into the west's fast dimming light
The Dark God must retreat
As all of life must come at last
To death the longest sleep
But our Great Mother then gives birth
The circle is complete
At morning's first bright ray of light
Arrives the Sun Child's birth
Returning through the Mother's womb
Life promised to the Earth
Now that our Mother's labor's done
Rejoice with song and mirth
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GOD REST YE MERRY PAGANFOLK
Tune: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
God rest ye merry, paganfolk,
Let nothing you dismay.
Remember that the Sun returns
Upon this Solstice day.
The growing dark is ending now
And Spring is on its way.
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy!
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy.
The Goddess rest ye merry, too,
And keep you safe from harm.
Remember that we live within
The circle of Her arms,
And may Her love give years to come
A very special charm.
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy!
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy!
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GOOD KING WENCESLAS I
Words from the Wiccan Yule Songs of Balefire Coven
Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the Feast of Yule
When the snow lay round about
Deep in Winter's rule
Brightly shone the Moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor roe came in sight
Seeking winter fuel
"Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know'st it, telling
yonder stag, O whose is he?
Where and how his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By good Brighit's fountain."
"Bring me apples; bring me corn
Bring my warm clothes hither
He shall dine `fore Solstice morn
When we bring them thither."
Page and monarch, forth they went
Forth they went together
through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather
"Page, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how
I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good King
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find fierce Winter's sting
Freeze thy blood less coldly."
In the Oak King's steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the God had printed.
Therefore, Paganfolk, be sure
Any rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the Earth
Shall, yourselves, find blessing.
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GOOD KING WENCESLAS II
Traditional Carol
Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the Feast of Stephen
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
Gathering 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"
"Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear them thither."
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather
"Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how
I can go no longer"
"Mark my footsteps, my good page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly"
Though the fire burned golden bright
On the palace fender
Twice as warm love's faithful light
True and strong and tender
Therefore people everywhere
Wealth or rank possessing
You who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing.
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HARK THE NEO-PAGANS SING
"Sunblade"
Tune: "Hark the Herald Angels Sing"
Hark the neo-Pagans sing,
Glory to the Holly King!
Peace on Earth and mercy mild,
God and Goddess reconciled,
Hear us now as we proclaim,
We have risen from the flames,
Our ancient Craft now we reclaim,
In the God and Goddess' names
Hark the neo-Pagans sing,
Glory to the Holly King!
Herne by highest love adored,
Herne the ever-reborn Lord,
At all times behold Him come,
Offspring of the Holy One,
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see,
Hail Incarnate Deity!
Our ancient Craft now we reclaim,
in the God and Goddess' names
Hark the neo-Pagans sing,
Glory to the Holly King!
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HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE YULETIDE
Words by Hilda Marshall
Tune: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Hugh Martin and
Ralph Blane
Have yourself a merry little Yuletide
Let your heart be light
From now on our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Yuletide
Make the Sabbat gay
From now on our troubles will be miles away
Chorus:
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more
Through the years we all will be together
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Yuletide now
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HERE WE COME A-WASSAILING
Chorus by Hilda Marshall
Traditional Carol
Here we come a wassailing
Among the leaves so green
Here we come a-wandering
So fair to be seen
Chorus:
Love and joy come to you
Peace and hope and friendship too
And we bless you and wish you a happy new year
And we wish you a happy new year!
We are not daily beggars who
Beg from door to door
But we are neighbors' children
Whom you have seen before
We have got a little purse
Of stretching leather skin
We want a little money
To line it well within
Call up the butler of this house
Put on his golden ring
Let him bring us a glass of beer
And better we shall sing
Bring us out a table
and spread it with a cloth
Bring us out a moldy cheese
And some of your Yuletide loaf
God bless the master of the house
The mistress bless also
And all the little children
Around the table go
Good master and good mistress
While you sit by the fire
Pray think of us poor children
A-wand'ring in the mire
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JINGLE BELL ROCK
Written by Joe Beal and Jim Boothe
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
Snowin' and blowin' are bushels of fun
Now the jingle rock has begun
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancin' and prancin' in Jingle Bell Square
In the frosty air
What a bright time, it's the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go ridin' in a one-horse sleigh
Giddy up, jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and mingle in a jingle bell beat
That's the Jingle Bell Rock!
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JINGLE BELLS
Written by John Pierpont
Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bob-tails ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight!
Chorus:
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh!
A day or two ago
I thought I'd take a ride
Soon Miss Fanny Bright
Was seated at my side
The horse was lean and lank
Misfortune seem'd his lot
He got into a drifed bank
And we, we got upsot!
Now the ground is white
Go it while you're young
Take the girls tonight
And sing this sleighing song
Just get a bob-tailed bay
Two-forty for his speed
Then hitch him to an open sleigh
And crack! You'll take the lead
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JOY TO THE WORLD I
Words by Lunaea Wetherstone
Music by Lowell Mason
Joy to the World! The Sun returns!
Let all who live rejoice!
Let every heart receive the healing light
And every voice be heard
And every voice be heard
And every voice in song be heard!
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JOY TO THE WORLD II
Music by Lowell Mason
Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
Let Earth receive her king!
Let every heart prepare him room
And Heaven and Nature sing
And Heaven and Nature sing
And Heaven and Heaven and Nature sing
Welcome our King who brings us life
Our Lady gives him birth!
His living light returneth to warm the seeds within us
And wake the sleeping earth
And wake the sleeping earth
And wake and wake the sleeping earth
Light we the fires to greet our Lord,
Our Light! Our Life! Our King!
Let every voice be lifted to sing his holy praises
As Heaven and Nature sing
As Heaven and Nature sing
As Heaven as Heaven and Nature sing
Joy to the Earth! The LIght returns!
And sunlight fills the air
The tide has turned, the Sun has been reborn.
And hope is everywhere
And hope is everywhere
And hope, and hope, is everywhere.
Dark ruled the Earth, and death has reined
But on the Wheel does spin
From out the womb of night, is birthed the Infant Light.
The Sun has come again
The Sun has come again
The Sun, the Sun, has come again.
Mother of all, to You we sing!
In praise this glorious morn.
For Earth and Sky, fire, water, and life.
In You we are reborn,
in You we are reborn,
in You, in You, we are reborn
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JOY TO THE WORLD III
Joy to the world! The Lady walks,
O let the echoes ring!
The power of Her love each single heart unlocks,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.
Joy to the world! For peace shall reign
As we, our (wimmin) pow'r employ!
O, field & flood, rock, hill, & plain,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
We share the world with truth & grace,
& let our blessings prove
The glories of our carefulness,
And wonders of our love,
And wonders of our love,
And wonders, wonders, of our love.
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MOON OF SILVER I
Tune: We Three Kings
Maiden, Mother, Ancient Crone,
Queen of Heaven on your throne,
Praise we sing Thee, Love we bring Thee,
For all that you have shown.
Chorus:
Oh, Moon of Silver, Sun of Gold,
Gentle Lady, Lord so bold!
Guide us ever, failing never,
Lead us in ways of old.
Lord of Darkness, Lord of Light,
Gentle Brother, King of Might,
Praise we sing thee, Love we bring Thee
On this Solstice night.
Chorus
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MOON OF SILVER II
Tune: We Three Kings
Carusone
Come Thou, Lord, the Newborn Sun,
Come, Sweet Mother, Holy One.
Praise we sing Thee, Love we bring Thee
As ever shall be done.
Chorus:
Oh, moon of silver, sung of gold!
Gentle Lady, Lord so bold!
Guide us ever, failing never,
lead us all in ways of old.
Maiden, Mother, Ancient Crone,
Queen of Heaven on your throne,
Praise we sing Thee, Love we bring Thee,
For all that you have shown.
Chorus
Lord of Darkness, Lord of Light,
Gentle Brother, King of Might!
Praise we sing Thee, Love we bring Thee
On this Solstice Night.
Chorus
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O TANNEBAUM I
Traditional
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
Thy leaves are so unchanging
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
Thy leaves are so unchanging
Not only green when summer's here
But also when 'tis cold and drear
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
Thy leaves are so unchanging
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
You fill all hearts with gaiety
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
You fill all hearts with gaiety
On Solstice Day you stand so tall
Affording joy to one and all
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
You fill all hearts with gaiety
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
You stand in verdant beauty
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
You stand in verdant beauty
Your boughs are green in summer's glow
And do not fade in winter's snow
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
You stand in verdant beauty
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
Much pleasure doth thou bring me
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
Much pleasure doth thou bring me
For ev'ry year thou lovely tree
Brings to us all both joy and glee
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
Much pleasure doth thou bring me
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
Thy candles shine out brightly
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
Thy candles shine out brightly
Each bough doth hold its tiny light
That makes each day to sparkle bright
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
Thy candles shine out brightly
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O TANNENBAUM II
Words by Hilda Marshall
O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum
How true you stand unchanging!
O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum
How true you stand unchanging!
Your boughs so green in summertime
Remain as green in wintertime
O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum
How true you stand unchanging!
O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum
Your message is enduring!
O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum
Your message is enduring!
Of all the trees of field and hill
You best recall the Lady's will
O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum
Your message is enduring!
O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum
You teach us hope and patience!
O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum
You teach us hope and patience!
Through icy day and frozen night
You bear the promise of the Light
O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum
You teach us hope and patience!
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OH, COME ALL YE FAITHFUL
Ellen Reed
Oh, come all ye faithful
Gather round the Yule Fire
Oh, come ye, oh, come ye,
To call the Sun!
Fires within us
Call the Fire above us
O, come, let us invoke Him!
O, come, let us invoke Him!
O, come, let us invoke Him!
Our Lord, the Sun!
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee!
Born again at Yuletide!
Yule fires and candle flames
Are lighted for You!
Come to thy children
Calling for thy blessing!
O, come let us invoke Him
O, come let us invoke Him
O, come let us invoke Him
Our Lord, the Sun!
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OH HOLY NIGHT I
Dianne T. DeShea
Oh holy night!
The stars shine in their brightness.
It is the night of the dear Sun Child's birth.
Long lay the world in growing cold and darkness
'Til He appeared, casting light o'er the earth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
All nature sings! Oh raise your joyous voices!
Oh night divine! This night the Sun is born!
Oh night divine! Oh night, oh night divine!
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OH HOLY NIGHT II
Words by Shekhinah Mountainwater
Music by Adolphe Adam
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining.
It is the night of the Sun God's rebirth
Long lay the world, in cold and darkness pining.
`Til He appeared, and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.
For yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn.
Rise from your knees! O hear the Pagan's voices!
O night divine. O night when light was born.
O night divine. O night divine.
[Variant Verses]
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the Goddess's birth
Long lay the world in patriarchy pining
Til She appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Rise from your knees! O hear the women's voices!
O night devine, O night when Light is born
O night divine, O night, O night devine.
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OH HOLY NIGHT III
Music by Adolphe Adam
O holy night, so peaceful, dark, and quiet
We're stuffed and tipsy, each Priestess and Priest
Witches are holy, but find it hard to diet
We may not orgy, but boy, can we feast!
With stew and wassail, apples, nuts, and pumpkin
We celebrate the deepest truths of life
Please, pass the salt. Oh, taste that turkey dressing
Oh, what will we weigh after seconds on the corn
Oh, what a way to pray! On this night when God's reborn
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ONE MORE CHRISTMAS TREE
Words by Daniel J. Thompson
Tune: O, Christmas Tree
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
Made of al-u-min-i-um.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
You can get them, anyone.
Some are big, and some are small.
You can get any size at all.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
Made of al-u-min-i-um.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
I sell them for ten dollars.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
They come in many colors.
Some are red, and some are blue.
They even come in plastic, too!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
I sell them for ten dollars.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
You should buy one now from me.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
Satisfaction guaranteed.
From now until the twenty-third
The lowest price you've ever heard.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
Buy one now, and get one FREE!
==================================================
OUR LADY GREENSLEEVES
Tune: Greensleeves
Midwinter moon is shining bright
The yuletide log is burning.
The people gather 'round tonight
The Sabbat wheel is turning.
Joy! Mirth! The Sun's rebirth!
Now as of old we greet Thee.
Gladdening is the song we sing
Of praises to the Lady.
'Twas at the feast of bright Beltane
When we all were a-Maying,
Sweet minstrel Queen in Her gown of green
Spring roundelay was playing.
And though now roped in snow
Her wintry garb deceives, for
Bedipped with holly and mistletoe
She is still Our Lady Greensleeves.
So drink ye wassail everyone
Good Pagans all made merry
With wine as red as the reborn Sun,
As red as holly-berry.
Dancing, come join the ring,
As Her Yuletide spell she weaves.
Fair Queen, the evergreen,
Sweet lovely Lady Greensleeves.
==================================================
SHARE THE LIGHT
Tune: The First Noel
On this Winter holiday, let us stop and recall
That this season is holy to one and to all.
Unto some a Son is born, unto us comes a Sun,
And we know, if they don't that all paths are one.
Chorus:
Share the light, share the light!
Share the light, share the Light!
All paths are one on this holy night!
Be it Chanukah or Yule,
Christmas time or Solstice night,
All celebrate the eternal light.
Lighted tree or burning log,
Or eight candle flames.
All gods are one god, whatever their names.
==================================================
SILENT NIGHT
Ellen Reed
Silent night, Solstice Night
All is calm, all is bright
Nature slumbers in forest and glen
Till in Springtime She wakens again
Sleeping spirits grow strong!
Sleeping spirits grow strong!
Silent night, Solstice night
Silver moon shining bright
Snowfall blankets the slumbering Earth
Yule fireswelcome the Sun's rebirth
Hark, the Light is reborn!
Hark, the Light is reborn!
Silent night, Solstice night
Quiet rest till the Light
Turning ever the rolling Wheel
Brings the Winter to comfort and heal
Rest your spirit in peace!
Rest your spirit in peace!
==================================================
SILVER AND GOLD
Words and Music by Johnny Marks, adapted by Susan M. Shaw
Silver and gold, silver and gold
Ev'ryone wishes for silver and gold
How do you measure its worth?
Just by the pleasure it gives here on earth
Silver and gold, silver and gold
Mean so much more when I see
Silver and gold decorations
On ev'ry Yuletide tree
==================================================
SILVER BELLS I
Words by Hilda Marshall
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there's a feeling of giving
Children laughing, people passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you hear...
Silver bells, silver bells
Yuletide returns to the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Chiming the winter away
Strings of street lights, even stoplights
Blink a bright red and green
As the shoppers rush home with their treasures
Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch
Eyes as bright as their dreams
And on every street corner you hear
Silver bells, silver bells
Yuletide returns to the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Chiming the winter away
==================================================
SLEIGH RIDE
Written by Leroy Anderson
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling
Ring-ting-tingling too
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.
Outside the snow is falling
And friends are calling "Yoo-hoo!"
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.
Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up, let's go
Let's look at the show
We're riding in a wonderland of snow
Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up, it's grand
Just holding your hand
We're riding along with a song
Of a wintry fairyland!
Our cheeks are nice and rosy
And comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up together
Like two birds of a feather would be
Let's take that road before us
And sing a chorus or two
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you
There's a birthday party at the home of Farmer Gray
It'll be the perfect ending of a perfect day
We'll be singing the songs we love to sing
Without a single stop
By the fireside where we watch the chestnuts pop
(Pop pop pop!)
There's a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy
When we pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pie
It'll nearly be like a picture print by Currier & Ives
These wonderful things are the things
We remember all through our lives
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling
Ring-ting-tingling too
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.
Outside the snow is falling
And friends are calling "Yoo-hoo!"
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.
==================================================
THE HOLLY AND THE IVY I
adapted by Susan M. Shaw
The holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry tunes
As we Pagans sing with cheer
The holly bears a blossom
White as the lily flower
The Goddess shares the Solstice Sun
Days grow longer with its power
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
We celebrate with joyous hearts
The Wheel of the Year
The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
The Goddess brings the Solstice Sun
To allow our hopes to bud
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
These blessed signs of life's renewal
Will banish any fear
The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn
The Goddess lights the Solstice Sun
As we welcome the new morn
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The Green Man and the Holly King
Are always welcome here
The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall
The Goddess gives the Solstice Sun
For the wonder of us all
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
In perfect love and perfect trust
May our hearts be ever clear
The holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry tunes
As we Pagans sing with cheer
==================================================
THE HOLLY AND THE IVY II
Hilda Marshall
The holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown.
Chorus
Oh, the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The shining of the winter stars
As the longer days draw near.
The holly bears a blossom
As white as any flower
As our Mother bears the infant Sun
In the winter's darkest hour.
Chorus
The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
As our Father bears the hunter's spear
for His hungry children's good.
Chorus
The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn
As we shall bear our song of hope
On triumphant Yuletide morn.
Chorus
==================================================
THE HOLLY AND THE IVY III
The Holly and the Ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The Holly bears the crown
Oh, the rising of the Sun and the running of the deer
The turning of the winter season
Sweet singing all may hear.
The Holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And the ivy grows upon the rock
Evergreen throughout the wood.
Oh, the rising of the Sun and the running of the deer
The hand upon the harpstring
Sweet singing in the choir
The Holly bears a blossom
White as the lily's flower
And the Goddess bears the Sun again
To bring us strength and power
Oh, the rising of the Sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the merry pipes
Sweet singing in the shire
The Holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn
And the Goddess in her ivy gown
Greets the winter sun each morn
Oh, the rising of the Sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir
The Holly ever bears a bark
Bitter as any gall
And the ivy weaves within our lives
Like the Goddess in us all
Oh, the rising of the Sun and the running of the deer
The turning of the winter season
Sweet singing all may hear
==================================================
THE HOLLY AND THE IVY IV
Peter Soderberg (Circle Network News, Winter 1981)
The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown,
of all the trees that are in the woods the holly bears the crown
Chorus:
Oh, the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing, the rising of the Sun, and the running of the deer
The days are short, the night is long--the Wheel of the Year.
O, the Ivy is a Maiden, the Holly is her love,
As they entwine at Yuletide, the Lady smiles above.
Chorus
The holly blooms in glory when solstice-day is near.
We burn the Yule log to make the new-born Sun appear.
Chorus
'Tis at Yule when the Mother gives birth to coming Spring;
In the midst of winter-cold; the new-born Sun, the holly king.
Chorus
Throughout the land She wanders with the new day-lit god,
And in the spring, sweet love is made where'er Her foot has trod.
Chorus
She is in all our doings, in all we love and fear--
How wondrous the ways in which our Lady does appear!
Chorus
Praise the Queen of Air and Darkness, of Fire and Water:
All poetry's our Lady's art, all music sings to Her.
Chorus
All in the holy circle, hand to hand, we pass the blade
to invoke the Lady's power, unsheathed by the Ivy Maid.
Chorus
Now blessed be the Earth at rest beneath our feet
As we have hope of rest one day, our Lady for to greet.
Chorus
Out of darkness shall come dawning, out of winter shall come
spring,
Out of the toil of striving comes the peace our Lady brings.
Chorus
==================================================
THE SOLSTICE CHILD
Lunaea Wetherstone
Tune: What Child is This?
What child is this who brings such light
that all who see Her grow hopefull?
The Solstice candles, this darkest night,
rekindle a flame in our soul.
This, this is the Solstice child,
the Maiden brilliant, the Maiden wild.
Come, sisters, to hold Her near,
the hope and the light of the New Year.
[Variant]
What Child is this, who brings such light
That all who see Him grow hopeful
The Solstice candles, this darkest night
Rekindle a flame in our soul
This, this is the Solstice Child
The Sun God brilliant, the Sun God wild
Come, Pagans, to hold Him near
The hope and the light of the New Year
==================================================
THE THIRTEEN DAYS OF SOLSTICE
Shekhinah Mountainwater
On the first day of Solstice the Goddess sent to me,
some healing to set me free.
On the second day of Solstice the Goddess sent to me,
Gifts from my love
and some healing to set me free.
etc.
1. Some healing to set me free
2. Gifts from my love
3. A helping dream
4. A branch of evergreen
5. Joyous song!
6. Greetings from my neighbors
7. Magick for the year
8. Fine conversation
9. Nine pearls of wisdom
10. Candles for the lighting
11. Deep contemplation
12. Showers of abundance
13. A grand celebration
==================================================
THE TWELVE DAYS OF YULETIDE
Carusone
On the first day of Yuletide my true love gave to me,
a Circle 'round a Pine Tree.
On the second day of Yuletide my true love gave to me,
Two pointed Horns
and a Circle 'round a Pine Tree.
etc.
A Circle 'round a Pine Tree
Two pointed Horns
Three Silver Cups
Four Pentagrams
Five Magick Rings
Six critters Fetching
Seven Candles Glowing
Eight Fires Blazing
Nine Herbs a-Brewing
Ten Stones a-Standing
Eleven Brooms a-Flying
Twelve Witches Dancing
==================================================
TRIPLE SOLSTICE GODDESS
Words by Lunaea Weatherstone
Tune: We Three Kings
Music by John H. Hopkins
Goddesses of the Solstice are we
Bringers of the Star and the Tree
Maiden, Mother, Crone uncover
Winter's deep mystery
Chorus:
Oh, time of wisdom, time of light
Time of Winter's darkest night
Goddess hold me, Love enfold me
Open me to Your light
Maiden of the darkness, I sing
Underworlds of wisdom, I bring
Seeking, learning, Kore returning
Bearing the light of Spring
Demeter, the slumbering Earth
Dreaming of the Daughter's rebirth
Candles lighted, world united
Knowing our own true worth
Crone of deepest wisdom, I dwell
Deep in Time's mysterious well
Dreaming, daring, teaching, sharing
Hecate's secret spell
==================================================
UP ON THE HOUSETOP
Traditional, adapted by Susan M. Shaw
Up on the housetop reindeer pause
Out jumps good old Santa Claus
Down through the chimney with lots of toys
All for the little ones' Yuletide joys
Chorus:
Ho, ho, ho, who wouldn't go?
Ho, ho, ho, who wouldn't go?
Up on the housetop, click, click, click
Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick
First comes the stocking of little Nell
Oh, dear Santa, fill it well
Give her a dolly that laughs and cries
One that can open and shut its eyes
Look in the stocking of little Bill
Oh, just see that glorius fill!
Here is a hammer and lots of tacks
Whistle and ball and a set of Jacks
==================================================
WE THREE CRONES
Heartsong
Tune: We Three Kings
We three crones of magic-past are,
Bearing gifts, we traverse afar,
Fields & fountain, moor & mountain,
Following each our star.
Chorus
Oh, star of wonder, star of might,
Star of radiant beauty bright,
Inward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us with thy magick light.
Gold I bring, the Earth's hidden gleam,
Guards our Mem'ry, draws forth our dream;
Weary-curing, strong enduring,
Holding time's circling stream.
Chorus
Frankincense I carry with me.
Incense aids the spirit to see;
Analyzing, wize, up-rising,
Sense of the Earth, flow free!
Chorus
Myrrh is mine, it's bitter perfume
Lifts new life, a magical broom;
Praying, flying, purifying,
Away with old lingering gloom.
Chorus
Glorious gifts of magic (wimmin) we praise,
Maiden, Mother, Ancient of Days;
Strength, and sense, and energy; whence
Return to our sacred ways.
Chorus
==================================================
WE WISH YOU A MERRY SOLSTICE
Words by Susan M. Shaw
We wish you a merry Solstice
We wish you a merry Solstice
We wish you a merry Solstice
And a happy New Year!
Chorus:
Good tidings we bring
To you and your kin
We wish you a merry Solstice!
And a happy New Year!
Our feasting is not so simple
Our feasting is not so simple
Our feasting is not so simple
On this Hollyday!
We've eggnog and punch and wassail
We've eggnog and punch and wassail
We've eggnog and punch and wassail
And hot chocolate too
We've breads, cakes and Solstice cookies
We've breads, cakes and Solstice cookies
We've breads, cakes and Solstice cookies
Plus crackers and buns
Now bring us some figgy pudding
Now bring us some figgy pudding
Now bring us some figgy pudding
And bring it right now
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
So bring some right now
==================================================
WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
Words by Anie Burke-Webb
Tune: Greensleeves
What child is this, who rises now
from His Mother's womb returning
Her children greet most joyously
the sight of His face's bright burning
Chorus:
This, this is the Sun child born
The radiant one, the light returned
Born unto the world again
This child, the promise of summer
His growing light returns the warmth
that darkness stole from out the Earth
To bud the leaves, and blossoms bring
to signal the Spring's rebirth
Chorus
==================================================
YULE FIRES
John G. MacKinnon
Tune: Greensleeves
In ancient days the folk of old
When chilled with fright by winter's cold
Did kindle up a great Yule fire
With leaping flames in its great pyre;
So to entice the waning sun
To rise again and wider run;
It's fiery course across the sky,
To warm them so they would not die.
So we, whose minds now sense a chill
Of anger in the evil will,
The human conflict, hate, and strife,
Which hold a menace over life;
Would kindle up a flame of love
That we within our hearts may move,
In Yuletide joy, with love embrace
And thus abide in peace and grace.
