The Seven Rejoices Of Mary

For Christmas

Words and Music: English Traditional

Folk carol, collected by Mrs. Milligan Fox.

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #26, pp. 46-47.

The first good joy Our Ladye got,
It was the rejoice of one.
The first rejoice of her dear Son,
When he was born young.

Chorus:
Glory may he be,
And blessed now is she.
And those who sing the seven long verses
In honor of our Ladye.
Sing Alleluia, Sing Alleluia,
Sing Alleluia, The Heavens are true,
Sing Alleluia.

2. The second rejoice Our Ladye got,
It was the rejoice of two.
It was the rejoice of her dear Son,
When He was sent to school.
                            Chorus.

3. The third rejoice Our Ladye got,
It was the rejoice of three.
It was the rejoice of her dear Son,
When He made the blind to see.
                            Chorus.

4. The next rejoice Our Ladye got,
It was the rejoice of four.
It was the rejoice of her dear Son,
When He read the bible o'er.
                            Chorus.

5. The next rejoice Our Ladye got,
It was the rejoice of five.
It was the rejoice of her dear Son,
When He raised the dead to life.
                            Chorus.

6. The next rejoice Our Ladye got,
It was the rejoice of six.
It was the rejoice of her dear Son,
When He carried the crucifix.
                            Chorus.

7. The next rejoice Our Ladye got,
It was the rejoice of seven.
It was the rejoice of her dear Son,
When He open'd the gates of heaven.
                            Chorus.

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #26, pp. 46-47.

 

Note from Rev. Terry:

Melody and words printed by the kind permission of Messrs. Cary & Co., from whom separate copies of the carol (arranged by Hubert Bath) may be had. The present harmonization is by the Editor.

The carol is included in the English section of this book as the Editor was informed (by an eminent authority of the Irish Folk Song Society) that although Mrs. Milligan Fox collected it in Ireland the melody is English in origin.

Note:

There are numerous carols enumerating the joys of Mary (including five, seven, and 12), including.

1. Off The 5 Joyes Of Owr Lady (Wright, 1847)

2. The Ferst Joye As I Zu Telle ("Joyes Fyve") (Sandys, 1833)

3. The Ferste Joye, As I 3ou Telle (Wright, 1856)

4. The First Good Joy Our Mary Had (Sandys) (a.k.a. Joyes Seven; in total, 12 Joys - 7 from Sandys, 5 from Husk) (with sheet music and notes)

5. The Five Joys (Rickert)

6. The Five Joys of the Virgin (Wright, 1845)

7. The Seven Joys of Mary - Version 1 (Bramley & Stainer) (with sheet music)

8. The Seven Joys Of Mary - Version 2 (Shaw and Dearmer) (with sheet music) [this page]

9. The Seven Joys of Mary - RR Terry (with sheet music)

10. The Seven Joys Of Mary (John Jacob Niles) (with note)

11. The Seven Rejoices Of Mary (RR Terry) (with sheet music)

12. The Ten Joys Of Christmas (Sharp) (with sheet music and note)

This is one of many "counting" songs among the hymns and carols of Christmas. See the notes to the Twelve Days of Christmas.

For a different version performed by Loreena McKennitt, see The Seven Rejoices of Mary.

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