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Goddess Rest Ye Merry Gentlefolk

“Goddess Rest Ye Merry Gentlefolk”
Words adapted and rewritten by Lady Isadora
Music traditional arr. Lady Isadora
© 2006
From the forthcoming album
Goddess Rest Ye Merry Gentlefolk

Goddess rest ye merry gentlefolk
Let nothing you dismay
Remember our fair Lord the Sun
Is born this Solstice Day
To shine forth in all glory
And so to light our way!
O, tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O, tidings of comfort and joy!

At Solstice in Yuletide
This Blessèd Babe’s reborn
And every year we honor Him
Upon this blessèd morn
The Queen of Witches merrily
Doth nothing take in scorn
O, tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O, tidings of comfort and joy!

From Goddess, Heav’nly Mother
A brightsome vision came
And unto certain Witches
Brought tidings of the same
How that as Morning’s Light should rise
The Sun our God by name!
O, tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O, tidings of comfort and joy!

“Fear not!” then said the Lady
“Let nothing you affright
This day is born My Holy Child
Of beauty, pow’r, and might
Whose Golden Crown, Light of My Life,
Doth vanquish darkest night!”
O, tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O, tidings of comfort and joy!

We Witches at these tidings
Rejoicèd much in mind
All in our covens reveling
In cakes and ale and wine
Look to the skies, all ye who would
This Blessèd Babe now find!
O, tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O, tidings of comfort and joy!

To some He’s known as Mithras
Or Apollo of Bright Fame
He’s Ra and Lugh and Arthur
And many another name
Though some now call Him Jesus
His power is the same!
O, tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O, tidings of comfort and joy!

We pray Our Lady Mother
The Goddess of All Life
To keep us hale and happy
And preserve us from all strife
Come celebrate this joyous Yule
With cup and wand and knife!
O, tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O, tidings of comfort and joy!

Now to the Sun sing praises
All you within this place
And with true love and fellowship
Each other now embrace
This holy tide of Solstice
All others doth deface
O, tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O, tidings of comfort and joy!

NOTE: “Pagans” and “circles” may be substituted for “Witches” and “covens”, as appropriate.

Alternate daringly un-PC, lovingly whimsical fifth & sixth lines to verse two: “The Witch His Mother Mary / Doth nothing take in scorn”

Three Carols for Yule:
Masters in This Hall * The Holly King * Our Lady Greensleeves
Goddess Rest Ye Merry Gentlefolk
(from the forthcoming CD!)

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