The words were written by English hymn writer Isaac Watts, based on Psalm 98 in the Bible. “Joy to the world” is a popular American Christmas song and the most-published Christmas hymn in North America. The music was added three years later by the organist Lewis Redner. “O Little town of Bethlehem” ‘s text is written by the priest Phillips Brooks who was inspired by the city of Bethlehem in 1865. It is suggested to have been written in 1857 but did not appear in print until his Carols, Hymns and Song in 1863. “We Three Kings”, also known as “We Three Kings of Orient Are” or “The Quest of the Magi”, is a Christmas carol written by the Reverend John Henry Hopkins, Jr., who wrote both the lyrics and the music. “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella (Un flambeau, Jeanette, Isabelle)” is a 16th century Christmas Carol from the region of Provence, France. We know that it was published in 1833, but the composer is unknown. “God rest you merry, Gentlemen” is a traditional Christmas carol from England. The original title of this carol was “Guillô, Pran Ton Tamborin” (“Willie, Take Your Little Drum”). Apparently, the same shepherds also play the flute, as indicated in the lyric “tu-re-lu-re-lu”. Its title is onomatopoetic, mimicking the sound of the drums of shepherds gathering around the birthplace of Jesus Christ. This is a Christmas carol from France, originally written in Burgundian by Bernard de La Monnoye and published in 1720. Pat-a-pan (Willie, Take Your Little Drum) This popular Christmas song was written by the American classical music composer Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941, based upon a traditional Czech carol.ĩ. It tells the story of the birth of the Holy Infant, calling the shepherds to gather in its birthplace and adore him. “Fum fum fum” is a traditional carol from Catalunya, Spain. The reference to three ships is thought to originate in the three ships that bore the purported relics of the Three Kings to Cologne Cathedral in the 12th century. “I saw three ships (come sailing in)” is a traditional and popular Christmas carol from England. Printable lyrics, score and free instrumental download, here. The song is, especially in the English-speaking world, sung at the conclusion of New Year gatherings, but is also widely used at “ending” or “new beginning” activities and happenings, e.g. The title “Auld Lang Syne” may be translated as “days of long ago”. “Auld Lang Syne” is a song the melody of which is based on a traditional tune, probably a lively dance, and lyrics on a Scottish poem written by Robert Burns in 1788.

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