Words: George Ratcliffe Woodward

Music: Ich will bei meinem Leben, setting by H. Schutz (1585-1672)

Source: Charles Wood and George Ratcliffe Woodward, The Cambridge Carol-Book, Being Fifty-Two Songs For Christmas, Easter, And Other Seasons (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1924), #24.

1. Outside, how hard it bloweth,
    The nor'-nor'-eastern gale!
Outside, how fast it snoweth!
    'Twill freeze the milk in pail.
Ay me! how dark the night!
    Nay, e'en when day do lengthen,
    (Men say) the cold will strengthen,
    Ere summer draw in sight,
Ere summer draw in sight.

2. Indoors, meanwhile 'tis merry:
    Men trim the house with spray
Of rud red holly berry,
    Or green-leaf of the bay.
To curb the winter cold,
    The spit is set a-turning;
    The Yule block too is burning,
As in the days of old.

3. In hall, despite the weather,
    Good will and warmth abound:
There hearts are knit together
    With Carol, Glee and Round,
In worship of that morn,
    When God was [in December,
    As grateful folk remember]
Of Maiden Mary born.

Sheet Music