A virgin most pure, as the prophets do tell
Hath brought forth a baby, as it hath befell
To be our Redeemer from death, hell and sin
Which Adam's transgression hath wrapped us in
Aye, and therefore be you merry
Rejoice and be merry, set sorrows aside
Christ Jesus, our Saviour
Was born on this tide
In Bethlehem in Jewry a city there was
Where Joseph and Mary together did pass
And there to be taxed with many a one more
For Caesar commanded the same should be so
Aye, and therefore be you merry
Rejoice and be merry, set sorrows aside
Christ Jesus, our Saviour
Was born on this tide
But when they had entered the city so fair
The number of people so mighty was there
That Joseph and Mary, whose substance was small
Could find in the inn there no lodging at all
Aye, and therefore be you merry
Rejoice and be merry, set sorrows aside
Christ Jesus, our Saviour
Was born on this tide
Then were they constrained in a stable to lie
Where horses and asses they used for to tie
Their lodging so simple they took it no scorn
But against the next morning our Saviour was born
Aye, and therefore be you merry
Rejoice and be merry, set sorrows aside
Christ Jesus, our Saviour
Was born on this tide
The King of all kings to this world being brought
Small store of fine linen to wrap him was sought
When Mary had swaddled her young son so sweet
In an ox's manger she laid him to sleep
Aye, and therefore be you merry
Rejoice and be merry, set sorrows aside
Christ Jesus, our Saviour
Was born on this tide
Then God sent an angel from heaven so high
To certain poor shepherds in fields where they lie
And bid them no longer in sorrow to stay
Because that our Saviour was born on this day
Aye, and therefore be you merry
Rejoice and be merry, set sorrows aside
Christ Jesus, our Saviour
Was born on this tide
Then presently after, the shepherds did spy
A number of angels appear in the sky
Who joyfully talked, and sweetly did sing
"To God be the Glory, Our Heavenly King"
Aye, and therefore be you merry
Rejoice and be merry, set sorrows aside
Christ Jesus, our Saviour
Was born on this tide