Drive the Cold Winter Away | 16th-Century English Christmas Carol Revival

(Note: As with any AI recreation, occasional small errors in interpretation may occur, but the goal is always faithful revival.)

A merry revival of a 16th-century Yule carol: good cheer, wassail, and songs to drive away the cold winter and old wrongs. Mixed chorus and a warm parlor piano, exactly as it rang in Tudor homes and Victorian drawing rooms when Christmas meant feasting, forgiving, and welcoming all.

[Verse 1]
All hail to the days that merit more praise
Than all the rest of the year,
And welcome the nights that double delights
As well for the poor as the peer!
Good fortune attend each merry man’s friend,
That doth but the best that he may;
Forgetting old wrongs, with carols and songs,
To drive the cold winter away.

[Chorus]
To drive the cold winter away.

[Verse 2]
This time of the year is spent in good cheer,
And neighbors together will meet,
To sit by the fire, with friendly desire,
Each other in love to greet;
Old grievances forgot, the poor well thought on,
Cross out of thy books Malevolent looks,
Both cold and hungry men to feed;
With carols and songs, to drive the cold winter away.

[Chorus]
To drive the cold winter away.

[Verse 3]
The continent, in state, Sets open his gate,
And gives free welcome to all;
The city likewise, The country will gain the day
More jollially spent, With better content,
Both rich and poor, great and small;
But yet, by report, From city and court,
The country will help the great and the small;
But yet, by report, From city and court,
The country will help the great and the small.

[Final]
To drive the cold winter away,
To drive the cold winter away,
To drive the cold winter away.


Perfect for nights when the fire is bright and the heart is open.

From Echoes of Yesteryear. Subscribe for more ancient Yuletide joy.


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