In many countries, the composition Deck the Halls is considered one of the main New Year’s songs. Fans of classical chorales traditionally sing it on Christmas morning, although most do not limit themselves to this time and willingly sing it throughout the winter holidays.
The story of the popular Christmas carol, which originated several centuries ago, will be discussed further.
Early song story of Deck the Halls
The first version of the composition appeared in Wales no later than the sixteenth century. Sheet music for this folk song was found in the archives of the famous harpist John Parry Dall, who died in 1782.
Initially, it was a dance composition without lyrics, but at the holidays people often came up with lines on the go and even arranged impromptu competitions, exercising wit.
John Ceirog Hughes was the first to record her words. It was known as the Christmas carol Nos Galan, which means “New Year’s Eve” in Welsh.
Researchers believe that the couplets were composed by Welsh miners.
The text Nos Galan is known in several variations. They don’t sound like the lyrics to Deck the Halls. Some of them are not at all funny. They talk about the exorbitant expenses for the poor associated with holidays.
In 1794, the Welsh musician and composer Edward Jones published Nos Galan in the Musical and Poetical Relicks of the Welsh Bards.
The song was very popular. Even the great Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart played it.
Deck the Halls song story
The official date of birth of the modern version of Deck the Halls can be considered 1862, when it was published in the second volume of Welsh Melodies. The Welsh version of the text was provided by John Jones. The English version was written by Thomas Oliphant.
Oliphant was a Scottish poet who translated foreign compositions. In addition, he adapted old folk songs, often completely rewriting the words in a new way.
“Updating” the creation of the Welsh people, Thomas turned Nos Galan into a festive Christmas song Deck the Halls, encouraging people to decorate houses, have fun noisily and drink alcohol.
Lyrics to Deck the Halls original (1862) + chords
Deck the hall with boughs of holly,
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
‘Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
Fill the meadcup, drain the barrel,
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
Troul the ancient Christmas carol,
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
See the flowing bowl before us
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
Strike the harp and join the chorus.
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
Follow me in merry measure
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
While I sing of beauty’s treasure,
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
fast away the old year passes,
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses!
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
Laughing, quaffing all together
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
headless of the wind and weather,
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
The British liked the new variation of the work and turned into one of the main Christmas hymns, or chorales.
An alternative version of the words Deck the Halls published in 1877 “Pennsylvania School Journal”. This version of the text with translation into Russian is offered below in the article.
Artists Deck the Halls
It is not possible to list all the performers of the song. Let’s remember some interesting versions.
This is how Nat King Cole sang Dech the Halls.
Check out the video for Deck the Halls by Pentatonix.
Next is an unusual version of Deck the Halls by musicians from Tenth Avenue North.
And such a heavy metal version of Deck the Halls performed by Orion’s Reign.
Interesting Facts
The film Deck the Halls (2006) is named after the composition.
The song was featured on the soundtrack of the film A Christmas Story. In a funny scene, the Chinese restaurant staff sing it.
Deck the Halls lyrics
Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
‘Tis the season to be jolly!
Don’t we now our gay apparel!
Troll the ancient Yuletide carol!
See the blazing yule before us
Strike the harp and join the chorus!
Follow me in merry measure
While I tell of Yuletide treasure!
fast away the old year passes,
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses!
Sing we joyous all together!
Heedless of the wind and weather!
Deck the Halls lyrics alternate
Decorate the halls with holly sprigs,
This time of year is about having fun!
So let’s put on our brightest clothes
Let’s sing an ancient Christmas carol!
Look at the sparkling Christmas before us
Play the harmonica and sing along!
Pick up my merry motive
While I talk about Christmas treasures.
The old year passes quickly
Welcome new boys and girls!
Let’s all sing together!
And let’s not pay attention to the wind and weather!
Deck the Halls chords
D
Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
GDAD
Fa la la la la, la la la la
D
Tis the season to be jolly,
GDAD
Fa la la la la, la la la la
AD
don’t we now our gay apparel,
D Bm E7 A
Fa la la la la la, la la la
D
Troll the ancient Yuletide carol,
GDDAD
Fa la la la la, la la la la
