Other Random Facts

  • There is a lot of mystery around this song and it's origins aren't exactly known.
  • The song is also known as Tidings of Comfort and Joy.
  • The first recorded version of the song dates back to 1760 in Three New Christmas Carols.
  • The first verse of that recorded version reads:

God rest you merry, Gentlemen,

Let nothing you dismay,

For Jesus Christ our Saviour

Was born upon this Day.

To save poor souls from Satan's power,

Which long time had gone astray.

Which brings tidings of comfort and joy.

  • The carol is referred to in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
  • The song has been recorded through the years by Bing Crosby, Ronnie James Dio, Mannheim Steamroller, Mariah Carey, Kenny G, Barenaked Ladies, Pentatonix, Annie Lennox, and even the cast of Riverdale.

Here is the Ronnie James Dio version.

 

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