Most of us grew up listening to some very beautiful traditional, English Christmas songs & carols, learning the lyrics and maybe some history alongside. “Silent Night” was, and still is pretty popular, one of the first of many tunes that are learned by little children. Whether you’re a churchgoer or an artist, a lover of music, or just anybody really, carols are those popular songs particularly associated with Christmas and the cornerstone of the festive season.
The Christmas season is known for its cheerful spirit, where fun activities are happily carried out with family, friends, and even colleagues from work, some of which are visiting distant cousins, attending Christmas carols, holidays with grandparents, learning new cookie recipes or cooking delicious meals together, vibing to English Christmas Songs during carols or at home, visits to the best beaches could be public or private beaches, keeping in mind the numerous must-do fun beach activities, conservation centers, and lots more💃🏽.
Christians are also known to hold a lot of church programs, mainly carols in celebration of the birth of Jesus. In this article, we would be sharing with you brief histories and the lyrics of the most popular and traditional English Christmas songs and carols to consider.
Here is a list of the most popular, traditional english christmas songs and carols, their history, and lyrics
Let’s learn further, shall we? 😇
1. O HOLY NIGHT
“O Holy Night” is a popular English Christmas song /carol, also known as “Cantique de Noel”. It was written in 1843 by Placide Cappeau, a French language poet and wine seller from southern France. In 1847, he was asked by the local parish priest to write a Christmas poem to celebrate the church organ’s renovation. Cappeau reached out to his friend Adolphe Charles Adams who is a composer, to set the poem into music. The song was set to reflect on the birth of Jesus and humanity’s redemption.
The French version of “O holy night” was later written in English in 1855, by John Sullivan Dwight, Editor of Dwight’s Journal of Music.
Lyrics
1.
O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
‘Til He appears and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel’s voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O Holy night, O night divine!
2.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the Wise Men from Orient land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
3.
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is Peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us Praise His Holy name
Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim
2. O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL
There have been controversies on who wrote the lyrics to this carol, the suggested writers include John Francis Wade(1711-1786), John Reading(1645–1692), King John IV of Portugal(1604–1656), and anonymous Cistercian monks, while for the melody, Handel and German composer, Gluck was suggested, composers.
The writer of the song is credited to John Francis Wade who was an English Catholic, he lived in exile in France and made a living as a copyist of musical manuscripts. The version written by Wade has four Latin Verses, in the 18th century Jean-Francois-Etienne, a French Catholic Priest added three verses in Latin to the song. The Latin verse by Wade was later translated into English by Frederick Oakeley while the 3 verses created by Jean were translated into English by William Thomas Brooke of which the earliest printed version was found in his book.
Lyrics
1.
O come, all ye faithful,
joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold him,
born the King of angels.
Refrain:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!
2.
God from true God, and
Light from Light eternal,
born of a virgin, to earth he comes!
Only-begotten Son of God the Father: [Refrain]
3.
Sing, choirs of angels,
sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest: [Refrain]
4.
Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be all glory giv’n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: [Refrain]
3. SILENT NIGHT
“Silent Night” was originally written in German, called “Stille Nacht”, and was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics, written by Joseph Mohr, in the small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. The English Christmas song has been recorded by many singers including Bing Crosby in 1935. “Silent Night” was first performed on Christmas eve in 1818 in Austria, and was translated to English in 1859. During the Christmas truce of 1914 during World War I, the carol was sung simultaneously by English and German troops.
Lyrics
1.
Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
round young virgin mother and child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.
2.
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
heav’nly hosts sing, Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
3.
Silent night, holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
radiant beams from thy holy face
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
4. HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING
This was written as an English Christmas song / hymn by Charles Wesley in 1735, the first stanza of the psalm describes Jesus’ Birth. The hymn has been found in many hymnals with Mendelssohn’s melody being the most popular sung all around the world.
Lyrics
1.
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled”
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
“Christ is born in Bethlehem”
2.
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king”
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Risen with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king”
3.
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled”
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
“Christ is born in Bethlehem”
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king”
“Glory to the new-born king”
5. ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID CITY
This hymn was first written by Mrs Cecil Frances Alexander who was a children’s poet, she also wrote another hymn known to have written “All Things Bright and Beautiful” which is a very popular hymn, sung in children’s nurseries. The Hymn is meant to illuminate “the child born of the virgin mary”. It was believed to have first been published in the early nineteenth century, The English Christmas carol was set to music a year later by organist H.J Gauntlett.
Lyrics
1.
Once in royal David’s city
stood a lowly cattle shed,
where a mother laid her baby
in a manger for his bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ, her little child.
2.
He came down to earth from heaven
who is God and Lord of all,
and his shelter was a stable,
and his cradle was a stall;
with the poor and mean and lowly,
lived on earth our Savior holy.
3.
And our eyes at last shall see him,
through his own redeeming love,
for that child, so dear and gentle,
is our Lord in heav’n above,
and he leads his children on
to the place where he is gone.
4.
Not in that poor, lowly stable
with the oxen standing by
we shall see him, but in heaven,
set at God’s right hand on high.
Then like stars his children crowned,
all in white, his praise will sound.
6. JOY TO THE WORLD
This Hymn was written by English writer, Isaac Watts and was first published in 1719 based on the second half of Psalm 98 in the Bible. It was part of Watts’ collection “The Psalms of David” and Imitated in the language of the New Testament, which is applied to the Christian state and worship. The Hymn represents Christ’s triumphant return rather than celebrating the Birth of Christ. “Joy to the world”, an English Christmas song, and hymn became the most published Christmas hymn in the Late 90s.
Lyrics
1.
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
2.
Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
3.
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders, of His love
4.
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 nature sing
(And Heaven and nature sing)
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
5.
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 nature sing
(And Heaven and nature sing)
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
7. O COME O COME EMMANUEL
This Christian hymn was originally written in Latin titled “Veni, Veni Emmanuel” and was sung at both Advent and Christmas, it was translated to English in 1861. The Hymn has its origins as far back as 1200 years ago in the 8th or 9th century. The music for the hymn was composed in such a way that both the English and Latin words can be used interchangeably. The Latin version was translated to English by John Mason Neale in 1851, and became the most used English Christmas song version in English-speaking countries, although there are other English versions of the song.
Lyrics
1.
O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
2.
O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go. Refrain
3.
O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai’s height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain
4.
O come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem,
unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o’er the grave. Refrain
5.
O come, O Key of David, come
and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe for us the heavenward road
and bar the way to death’s abode. Refrain
6.
O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light. Refrain
7.
O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace. Refrain
8. O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM
The Hymn was first written as a text by Philips Brooks (1835-1893) who was an Episcopal Priest. He got his inspiration for the text when he visited the village of Bethlehem in Sanjak of Jerusalem in 1865. Three years later, the English Christmas song was added to the text by a church organist Lewis Redner and was sung by the local Sunday school children’s choir.
Lyrics
1.
O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.
2.
For Christ is born of Mary,
and, gathered all above
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wond’ring love.
O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the King
and peace to all the earth.
3.
How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heav’n.
No ear may hear his coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still
the dear Christ enters in.
4
O holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray,
cast out our sin and enter in,
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Immanuel!
9. GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
This is an English Christmas song written by John Wesley Work Jr., an African American in 1865, and has been sung and recorded by several gospels and secular performers including Mahalia Jackson and James Taylor. The song has since been considered a Christmas carol meant to celebrate the Nativity of Jesus.
Lyrics
1.
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
2.
While shepherds kept their watching
O’er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens
There shone a Holy light
3.
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
4.
The shepherds feared and trembled
When, lo! Above the Earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Savior’s birth
5.
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
6.
Down in a lowly manger
Our humble Christ was born
And brought us all salvation
That blessed Christmas morn
7.
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
That Jesus Christ is born
10. O CHRISTMAS TREE, O CHRISTMAS TREE
The lyrics were written by Ernst Anschutz, an organist, and composer with the title “O Tannebaum”(Fir tree). The song was not originally composed for Christmas but a love song to praise the evergreen quality of the Fir tree over time, people started singing it as an English Christmas song.
Lyrics
1.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
How lovely are thy branches
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
How lovely are thy branches
2.
Your boughs, so green in Summer-time
Stay bravely green in Winter-time
O Tannenbaum, O Christmas tree
How lovely are thy branches
3.
Let us all remember in our gift giving and our merriment
With our family and friends and loved ones
The real and true meaning of Christmas
The birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ
4.
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
How lovely are, are thy branches
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
How lovely are, how lovely are thy branches
5.
Their pillars all please faithfully
Our trust in God unchangedly
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
How lo-lovely are thy branches
11. JINGLE BELLS ROCK
This was originally written as a thanksgiving song but over the years it became a Christmas song.
The song was written by Bobby Helms in 1957 and composed by his friend and session guitarist, Hank Garland. However, two other people have claimed rights to the English Christmas song: Joseph Carleton Beal and James Ross Boothe. They claimed to have written the original version of the song but at the time the song was called “Jingle Bell Hop”, and it was given to Helms by a Decca executive to record. Helms however was not entirely okay with the song, so he and his guitarist went to work changing the music, tempo, and lyrics of the song and adding an additional verse to the song, and then titled it “Jingle Bell Rock”. Below is the version of the song that is widely known today.
Lyrics
1.
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun.
2.
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square
In the frosty air.
3.
What a bright time, it’s the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh
Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a-mingle in the jingling feet
That’s the jingle bell,
That’s the jingle bell,
That’s the jingle bell rock
12. HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
This song was written by Hugh Martin, and Ralph Blane in 1943 for the movie “Meet me in St Louis” which was aired in 1944 and introduced by Judy Garland. A version of the English Christmas song with modified lyrics was later recorded by Frank Sinatra.
Lyrics
1.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on, all our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
2.
Make the yule-tide gay
From now on, our troubles will be miles away
Here were are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more
3.
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 Christmas now
4.
(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)
5.
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 Christmas now
13. SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN
This song was written for Christmas by Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie, with the earliest known recorded version of the song by banjoist Harry Reser and the band in 1934. The song was recorded during “The great depression” and other verses were added to it encouraging people to be charitable during that trying period.
It is one of the most-played English Christmas songs and has been sung by several artists, including the Andrew sisters: Mariah Carey, and Bing Crosby.
Lyrics
You better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout
I’m telling you why
Santa Claus is comin’ to town
Santa Claus is comin’ to town
Santa Claus is comin’ to town
He’s making a list
He’s checking it twice
He’s gonna find out
Who’s naughty or nice
Santa Claus is comin’ to town
Santa Claus is comin’ to town
Santa Claus is comin’ to town
He sees you when you’re sleeping
He knows when you’re awake
He knows if you’ve been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake
So you better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout
I’m telling you why
Santa Claus is comin’ to town
Santa Claus is comin’ to town
Santa Claus is comin’ to town
The kids in girl and boyland
Will have a jubilee
They’re gonna build a toyland
All around the Christmas tree
So you better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout
I’m telling you why
Santa Claus (is comin’ to town)
Santa Claus (is comin’ to town)
Santa Claus is comin’
Santa Claus is comin’
Santa Claus is comin’
To Town
14 RUDOLPH THE RAINBOW REINDEER
“Rudolph the rainbow reindeer” was a character in a story created by Robert L Mays for Montgomerry Wards Roberts brother-in-law, Johnny Marks decided to adapt the story into a song. The English Christmas song which was recorded by Gene Autry hit No. 1 on the U.S. charts the week of Christmas 1949, then went on to be the favorite song, especially among children over the years and in 201,8 the song was No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Lyrics
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen
Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games
Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say
“Rudolph, with your nose so bright
Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”
Then how the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
You’ll go down in history”
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games
Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say
“Rudolph, with your nose so bright
Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”
Then how the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
You’ll go down in history”
15. ALL I WANT FROM CHRISTMAS IS YOU
This song is an all-time Christmas love song and was written and co-written by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff respectively in 1934. At the time, English Christmas songs were not performed by a lot of artists because it was presumed to be the kind of projects artists take when they are losing fame. However, Mariah Carey wrote and released the song and it had gone ahead to top charts in both the UK and the US.
Lyrics
I don’t want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
Yeah
I don’t want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need (and I)
Don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree
I don’t need to hang my stocking there upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won’t make me happy with a toy on Christmas Day
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
You, baby
Oh, I won’t ask for much this Christmas
I won’t even wish for snow (and I)
I’m just gonna keep on waiting underneath the mistletoe
I won’t make a list and send it to the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won’t even stay awake to hear those magic reindeer click
‘Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do?
Oh, baby, all I want for Christmas is you
You, baby
Oh-oh, all the lights are shining so brightly everywhere (so brightly, baby)
And the sound of children’s laughter fills the air (oh, oh, yeah)
And everyone is singing (oh, yeah)
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa, won’t you bring me the one I really need? (Yeah, oh)
Won’t you please bring my baby to me?
Oh, I don’t want a lot for Christmas
This is all I’m asking for
I just wanna see my baby standing right outside my door
Oh, I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Oh, baby, all I want for Christmas is you
You, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas (all I really want) is you, baby
All I want (I want) for Christmas (all I really want) is you, baby
16. 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
This English Christmas song or carol is a progressive one, in which each verse is dependent on the previous. The most popular of the lyrics and one sung worldwide was published by Frederic Austin in 1909. However, the words were first published in London in the late 18th century in a book called “Mirth without mischief”.
Lyrics
On the first day of Christmas
My good friends brought to me
A song and a Christmas tree
On the second day of Christmas
My good friends brought to me
Two candy canes
And a song for the Christmas tree
On the third day of Christmas
My good friends brought to me
Three boughs of holly
Two candy canes
And a song for the Christmas tree
On the fourth day of Christmas
My good friends brought to me
Four colored lights
Three boughs of holly
Two candy canes
And a song for the Christmas tree
On the fifth day of Christmas
My good friends brought to me
A shining star
Four colored lights
Three boughs of holly
Two candy canes
And a song for the Christmas tree
On the sixth day of Christmas
My good friends brought to me
Little silver bells
A shining star
Four colored lights
Three boughs of holly
Two candy canes
And a song for the Christmas tree
On the seventh day of Christmas
My good friends brought to me
Candles a-glowing
Little silver bells
A shining star
Four colored lights
Three boughs of holly
Two candy canes
And a song for the Christmas tree
On the eighth day of Christmas
My good friends brought to me
Gold and silver tinsel
Candles a-glowing
Little silver bells
A shining star
Four colored lights
Three boughs of holly
Two candy canes
And a song for the Christmas tree
On the ninth day of Christmas
My good friends brought to me
A guardian angel
Gold and silver tinsel
Candles a-glowing
Little silver bells
A shining star
Four colored lights
Three boughs of holly
Two candy canes
And a song for the Christmas tree
On the tenth day of Christmas
My good friends brought to me
Some mistletoe
A guardian angel
Gold and silver tinsel
Candles a-glowing
Little silver bells
A shining star
Four colored lights
Three boughs of holly
Two candy canes
And a song for the Christmas tree
On the 11th day of Christmas
My good friends brought to me
Gifts for one and all
Some mistletoe
A guardian angel
Gold and silver tinsel
Candles a-glowing
Little silver bells
A shining star
Four colored lights
Three boughs of holly
Two candy canes
And a song for the Christmas tree
On the 12th day of Christmas
My good friends brought to me
All their good wishes
Gifts for one and all
Some mistletoe
A guardian angel
Gold and silver tinsel
Candles a-glowing
Little silver bells
A shining star
Four colored lights
Three boughs of holly
Two candy canes
And a song for the Christmas tree
17. MARY DID YOU KNOW
This is a script that was written by Mark lowry for a Christmas program at his church in 1984. When asked about his inspiration behind the song, he said
“I just tried to put into words the unfathomable. I started thinking of the questions I would have for her if I were to sit down & have coffee with Mary. You know; what was it like raising Christ? what did you know? what didn’t you know?
The lyrics however have received a lot of backlash, where people describe them as lacking scriptural or theological depth. The English Christmas song was put to music by Buddy Greene in 1991.
Lyrics
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby
You kiss the face of God
Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
Is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
That sleeping child you’re holding is the great, I Am
Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? Oh
18. O HOLY NIGHT
In 1843 Poet Placide Cappeau wrote, “O Holy Night” in French which meant “Cantique de Noel” to celebrate an important church event. The poem was later set to music that same year by Adolphe Adam which was then premiered in 1847 by the opera singer, Emily Laurey. The English Christmas song has now become a well-known Christmas carol, this English version of the song is credited to John Sullivan Dwight.
Lyrics
1.
O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
‘Til He appears and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O Holy night, O night divine!
2.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the Wise Men from Orient land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
3.
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is Peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us Praise His Holy name
Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim
19. WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS
The Origin of this carol has not been made clear, many believe it to be an old English Christmas song, popular around Christmas time and sung for the wealthy to give out gifts or treats to carolers. It was Bristol-based composer and organist Arthur Warrel who made the carol popular when he arranged the tune for singers at the University of Bristol where he lectured. It was sung at a concert in 1935 and his composition went ahead to be published by Oxford University Press with the title “A Merry Christmas: West Country traditional song”.
Lyrics
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin
We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year
Oh, bring us some figgy pudding
Oh, bring us some figgy pudding
Oh, bring us some figgy pudding
And bring it right here
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin
We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year
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 it right here
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin
We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year
We all like our figgy pudding
We all like our figgy pudding
We all like our figgy pudding
With all its good cheers
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin
We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year
20. THE FIRST NOEL
Noel or Nowell is an early Modern English Christmas song. “The First Noel” is of cornish Origin dating back to 1823 when it was first published in Ancient and Modern, and also in Gilbert and Sandys carol in 1833, the song was later edited by William Sandys, and arranged & edited with extra lyrics by Davies Gilbert for Hymns and carols of God.
Lyrics
1.
The First Noel the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
2.
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
3.
And by the light of that same star
Three Wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
4.
This star drew nigh to the northwest
O’er Bethlehem it took it’s rest
And there it did both Pause and stay
Right o’er the place where Jesus lay
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
5.
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind hath bought
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King
Born is the King
Born is the King of Israel!
21. WE THREE KINGS
“We three kings” is an English Christmas song written by John Henry Hopkins in 1857 for a Christmas pageant while he was a clergy at the General Theological Seminary in New York City. Hopkins wrote and composed the music all by himself which is commendable, and more because most writers do not compose their songs themselves. The hymn was not published until 1863 after Hopkins saw the popularity that the song had achieved, the song was published in his book, carols, hymns, and songs.
Lyrics
1.
We three kings of Orient are;
bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.
Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to thy perfect light.
2.
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain,
gold I bring to crown him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
over us all to reign. [Refrain]
3.
Frankincense to offer have I;
incense owns a Deity nigh;
prayer and praising, voices raising,
worshiping God on high. [Refrain]
4.
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom;
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in the stone-cold tomb. [Refrain]
5.
Glorious now behold him arise;
King and God and sacrifice:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
sounds through the earth and skies. [Refrain]
22. WHAT CHILD IS THIS
This hymn was inspired by a near-death experience of the writer, William Chatterton. He wrote the hymn in 1865 when he had a terrible illness that left him bedridden and depressed, the illness birthed a spiritual awakening and inspired him to write a number of other English Christmas songs as well. The hymn was published 6 years later in 1871.
Lyrics
1.
What child is this who laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
2.
So bring him incense, gold and myrrh
Come peasant king to own him
The King of Kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone him
3.
This, this is Christ the king
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud
The babe, the son of Mary
4.
O raise, raise a song on high
His mother sings a lullaby
Joy, oh joy for Christ is born
The babe, the son of Mary
5.
This, this is Christ the king
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud
The babe, the son of Mary
6.
What child is this
Who laid to rest
On Mary’s lap
On Mary’s lap he is sleeping
7.
This, this is Christ the king
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud
The babe, The son
Of Mary
The babe, the son of Mary
The son of Mary
23. WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED THEIR FLOCKS
In 1700 “while shepherds watched their flocks” was the only Christmas hymn allowed to be sung by the Anglican church. It is a traditional English Christmas song and hymn that was written by a poet and Hymnist, Laureate Nahum Tate. The lyrics describe the encounter a group of shepherds had with angels who told them about the birth of Jesus Christ.
Lyrics
1.
Shepherd watched their flocks by night
All seated on the ground
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around
2.
“Fear not”, said he, for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind”
3.
“To you, in David’s town this day
Is born of David’s line
The Savior who is Christ the Lord
And this shall be the sign”
4.
“The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands
And in a manger laid”
5.
Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song
6.
“All glory be to God on high
And on the earth be peace
Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease”
24. LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW
“Let it snow” is an English Christmas song written by lyricist Sammy Cahn and was composed by Jule Styne in 1945. There was a heat wave in California and the song was written when they both wished for cooler conditions. The song later went on to be used as a Christmas song because of the winter theme.
Lyrics
1.
Oh, the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we’ve no place to go
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
2.
Man it doesn’t show signs of stopping
And I brought me some corn for popping
The lights are turned way down low
Let it snow! Let it snow!
3.
When we finally kiss goodnight
How I’ll hate going out in the storm
But if you’ll really hold me tight
All the way home I’ll be warm
4.
And the fire is slowly dying
And, my dear, we’re still goodbying
But as long as you’d love me so
Let it snow! Let it snow and snow!
5.
When we finally kiss goodnight
How I’ll hate going out in the storm
But if you really grab me tight
All the way home I’ll be warm
6.
Oh, the fire is slowly dying
And, my dear, we’re still goodbying
But as long as you’d love me so
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
25. AULD LANG SYNE
The writer(s) of this English Christmas song is unknown, but the little that is known is that it is of English origin.
Lyrics
1.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And the days of auld lang syne?
2.
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We’ll drink a cup of kindness yet
For the sake of auld lang syne
3.
And surely you will buy your cup
And surely I’ll buy mine!
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet
For the sake of auld lang syne
4.
We two have paddled in the stream
From morning sun till night
The seas between us Lord and swell
Since the days of auld lang syne
5.
For old acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind
Should old acquaintance be forgot
For the sake of auld lang syne?
6.
For old acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind
Should old acquaintance be forgot
In the days of auld lang syne?
7.
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We’ll drink a cup of kindness yet
For the sake of auld lang syne
26. ANGELS FROM THE REALMS OF GLORY
This English Christmas song or carol is written for Christmas by Scottish poet James Montgomery, it was first printed in 1818 in Sheffield iris on Christmas eve but only began to be sung in churches in 1825.
Lyrics
1
Angels from the realms of glory,
wing your flight o’er all the earth;
ye who sang creation’s story
now proclaim Messiah’s birth:
Refrain:
Come and worship, come and worsh ip,
worship Christ, the newborn king.
2
Shepherds, in the field abiding,
watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with us is now residing;
yonder shines the infant light: [Refrain]
3
Sages, leave your contemplations,
brighter visions beam afar;
seek the great Desire of nations;
ye have seen his natal star: [Refrain]
27. FELIZ NAVIDAD
This song was written in 1970 by Puerto Rican singer and songwriter known as Jose Feliciano. The English Christmas song was written because he was away from home during a certain Christmas celebration and he felt homesick, the song has gone on to be a Christmas favorite.
Lyrics
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prospero Ano y Felicidad.
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prospero Ano y Felicidad.
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart.
28. LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
The English Christmas song “Little Drummer Boy” was written by Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941, recorded in 1951 by the Trapp family, and became more popular by Harry Simeone’s chorale.
Lyrics
Come thy told me
Pa rum pum pum-pum
A newborn King to see
Pa rum pum pum-pum
Our finest gifts we bring
Pa rum pum pum-pum
To lay before the king
Pa rum pum pum-pum
Rum pum pum-pum Rum pum pum-pum
So to honor Him
Pa rum pum pum-pum
When we come
Little baby
Pa rum pum pum-pum
I am a poor boy too
Pa rum pum pum-pum
I have no gift to bring
Pa rum pum pum-pum
That’s fit to give our King
Pa rum pum pum-pum
Rum pum pum-pum Rum pum pum-pum
Shall I play for you
Pa rum pum pum-pum
On my drum
Mary nodded
Pa rum pum pum-pum
The ox and lamb kept time
Pa rum pum pum-pum
I played my drum for Him
Pa rum pum pum-pum
I played my best for Him
Pa rum pum pum-pum
Rum pum pum-pum Rum pum pum-pum
Then He smiled at me
Pa rum pum pum-pum
Me and my drum
29. GLORY TO THE LAMB
This song is by Marvin Sapp and was included in his 2003 Album “Diary of a psalmist”. It’s an English Christmas song that talks about the marvelous works of the son of God, and his love for us all. It is a song that can be sung for Christmas however the melody of the song requires great work from the choir.
Lyrics
1.
Sing my Song to you, I give you praise
I lift my hands to You, my voice I raise
because of who you are
I am who I am
We sing glory to the lamb
You saved My soul from sin,
answered my Prayer
Dressed me in righteousness, none can compare
Showed me the path to walk, you showed me your plan
We sing glory to the Lamb
[Chorus:]
There’s one name above, earth and the sky
Lord Jehovah reigns, rules on high
We bow down before You, Great I Am
We Sing Glory to The Lamb
2.
You are the only one, who gave me hope
Took all the broken dreams and made them whole
You found the best in me and showed me who I am
We sing glory to the lamb
There is no other name, no, that I can call
You Showed me that you are my all in all
Your strength empowers me to be what I can
We Sing glory to the Lamb
[Chorus: x2]
[Bridge:]
Lamb of God, holy lamb of God
You are the great I am
You’re the King of Kings
You’re the Lord of Lords
and we move at your command
[Chorus:]
[Vamp:]
Sing halleluyah to risen king
Sing halleluyah let his praises ring
Sing hallelujah to the great I am
We Sing glory to the lamb
[x3]
We Sing glory to the lamb [x4]
30. NOW BEHOLD THE LAMB
This English Christmas song was written by Kirk Franklin in 1995, a man described as “the reigning king of the urban gospel”. He is a songwriter, composer, pianist, and choir director. “Now behold the lamb” describes the birth of the son of God, and the melodies of the song have a calming effect on the listener.
Lyrics
Chorus
Now behold the Lamb
the Precious Lamb of God
born into sin that I may live again
the Precious Lamb of God [2x]
Holy is the Lamb
the Precious Lamb of God
Why you love me so, Lord
I shall never know
the Precious lamb of God [2x]
Solo
Now behold the Lamb
the Precious Lamb of God
Born into sin that I may live again
He’s the precious Lamb of God
When I always didn’t do right
I went left, He told me to go right
But I’m standing right here
in the midst of my tears, Lord
I claim You to be the Lamb of God
Chorus
Thank You for the Lamb
the Precious Lamb of God
Because of Your grace
I can finish this race
the Precious Lamb of God
Solo 2
Even when I broke Your heart
my sins tore us apart
But I’m standing right here
in the midst of my tears
I claim You to be the Lamb of God
New life can begin (yeah),
for You washed away, washed away every one of my sins
Whom the Son sets free, is truly free indeed
claim You to be the Lamb of God
Chorus
Now behold the Lamb
the Precious Lamb of God
born into sin that I may live again
the Precious Lamb of God
Oh Oh Oh
Oh Oh Oh
Why You love me so, Lord
I shall never know
Why You love me so, Lord
I shall never know
Why You love me so, Lord
I shall never know
the Precious Lamb of God
Oh Oh Oh
Oh Oh Oh
Oh Oh Oh
Why You love me so, Lord
I shall never know
the Precious Lamb of God
uh….
uh….oh….
You love me, Jesus
You died for me, Jesus
You shed your blood for me, Jesus On Calvary.
Thank you for Being Born For Me, Jesus
Thank you Jesus
For lovin’ me so
Never never never know
For lovin’ me so yeah.
Thank you for your blood yeah…
Why you love me so, Lord
I shall never know
the Precious Lamb of God
Apart from church programs these English Christmas carols and songs can as well be used to serenade guests when they visit your home.
While we bask ourselves in this beautiful season of the birth of Christ, which has also become a secular family and work holiday observed by both Christians and non-Christians, singing melodious carols to further commemorate the season, let us not forget to send some Christmas greetings for cards and messages to our loved ones. Christmas is a time more than ever, when well-wishes are sent to family and friends, either through emails, letters, text messages, or in person, so it’s best to do it right. It reassures them of our connection to them, letting them know we are praying for, and thinking of them.
Now, who sings such melodious songs on an empty stomach uhn?💁🏽♀️ Food is one super important part of Christmas, it is practically a tradition to already have the best and tasty food, dishes, snacks, and dinner ideas to prepare for Christmas, the New Year, or just any other day really, with the most prepared being Jollof Rice and Fried Rice. Get on these ideas and make a selection on the one or ones you’d be making.
Guess what is more interesting…
…when you can not only sing these songs as English Christmas Songs, but also as Igbo Christmas songs, and Yoruba Christmas Songs, and of course in numerous other languages.
8 thoughts on “LIST OF THE MOST POPULAR, TRADITIONAL ENGLISH CHRISTMAS SONGS AND CAROLS, THEIR HISTORY, AND LYRICS”
Pingback: THE 100 BEST CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FOR CARDS AND MESSAGES 2022/2023 - Learners Dorm
Pingback: 30 FUN AND EXCITING BEACH ACTIVITIES, PARTIES, EVENTS, AND GAMES FOR FRIENDS, FAMILIES, AND COLLEAGUES - Learners Dorm
Pingback: A LIST OF CHRISTMAS HYMNS IN IGBO - Learners Dorm
Pingback: A LIST OF CHRISTMAS HYMNS IN YORUBA - Learners Dorm
Pingback: TOP 21 PUBLIC & PRIVATE BEACHES, ENTRY FEES - LAGOS
Pingback: 10 BEST BEACHES (WITH PHOTOS) IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA TO VISIT THIS DECEMBER/CHRISTMAS WITH FAMILY, COLLEAGUES, AND FRIENDS - Learners Dorm
I’m amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both equally educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that too few folks are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy I stumbled across this during my hunt for something regarding this.
Hi Luis,
Thank you very much for your comment, we are glad you are able to find value in our content. We hope to have you surf through our blog often for more informative content.