I do not know how many times I have heard this masterpiece and in many different versions and at the same time I don't know how many times I have seen this fantastic music video which includes Christianity, paganism, mystery, history, religion,art and alot more. I love it ❤
It's most likely the gospel (which means good news) and the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ was sacrificed for the remission of our sins, and all we have to do is accept his gift of salvation, and acknowledge Him as your lord and savior.
I will not argue with either Les’ or Paul’s account of why you might be moved to tears ( whether Hindu or otherwise). I think there is something to be said for both of their explanations. I think your emotion has something to do with patriotism, something to do with affection for these Islands we live in , something of a feeling for the people in these Islands and the long history thereof. I think you can feel that if you are a citizen here OR if you are a visitor who means us well. Here’s another example, not a digression at a tangent, I promise. President Bush the 2nd made a remark, years ago, about how he felt good about liberating Iraq from Saddam Hussein. As a Hindu, you might relate to this when you think about India’s liberation of Bangladesh. Bush witnessed the resumption of Shia pilgrimage to the holy city of Najaf. Bush said he was very glad that Iraqis were doing that again. Iraqis being Iraqis, being in touch with their culture, their history, their ancestors is a GOOD thing. In the same way, I like that Hindus in 2020, with mobile phones and internet and Starbucks still ( some of them ) stand in The Ganges. I like that British people ( some of them) in 2020 still recognise songs sung by their ancestors. The fact that these songs in 2020 feature MTV ( Bollywood) production videos, and cross faders and big pop stars makes it even better. God rest ye Merry sirrah.
All over the world and in any religion, we feel that we toil to keep evil and ruin at bay, but our efforts are never enough. Often we despair and think that our strength will not be enough. At that point, a message from the divinity promising that we will not fail indeed brings comfort and joy. Not that all religions are the same (I'm atheist btw), but the human condition is the same.
She is GENIUS. The best rendition ever. Pagan and Christian Ms Lennox and the band pulls the iron of my blood as a magnet to the music and my soul cannot resist.
Love how she blends the Christian and pagan history of Christmas perfectly into this video... usually people are arguing about that, but here Annie is celebrating the cultural history. Awesome.
+Logan Carlton It seems Henry VIII's idol-smashers (or vendors, a lot of stuff was shipped to Europe to be sold) spared the Green Men in the churches on the logic that no one would worship them.
+Raine Parker While the celebration of 'Christmas' was (and is for the most part today) a Christian celebration and holy day (it originated in the 4th century as a liturgical celebration commemorating the Nativity of Christ;, around the winter solstice, but with the emphasis on the incarnation of Christ, as "God in the Flesh" ('Emmanuel' in Hebrew means "God is with us"), in order to make it culturally relevant to the non-Christian 'pagans' (Roman term meaning "country folk", they needed to make it resonate with symbolism and beliefs that already existed which the local people understood as being already considered 'sacred' such as the solstice being the shortest day of the year and the day afterwards the days lengthen (which is where the observance of 'Lent' came from, with the word from the old Anglo-Saxon term meaning 'lencthene' meaning 'Spring' as the days get longer), without having to explain the meaning in specifically Jewish or Hebrew concepts and ideas foreign to Europeans unfamiliar at the time to Christianity and Judaism.... My long-winded point is, people (fundamentalist Christians mainly) can be offended til they are blue in the face and the proverbial cows come home but the reality is, religion must be inculturated in order for it to take root in a culture and become a part of society and individual lives as well.... This is what happened to Europe, that with a heavy dose of imperialism and feudalism of course which meant that you didn't really have much choice but to accept it as the status quo..... BUT, we have today's wonderfully complex and fascinating symbols, mythology, rituals and beliefs regarding the celebration of Christmas... It is essentially syncretism at its best, but that is part of being human and virtually all human cultures today have syncretized some foreign belief system on their own and made that once foreign belief or celebration their own.... Christmas in Britain (or anywhere else in the world) is no different......The Green Man or "Old Man Winter" gets incorporated with the Christ Child and angels mix with elves, etc... It's beautiful in my book and one of the hallmarks of human culture.
This video is like stepping inside an old Victorian Christmas card. I just love the drumbeat, the riff that flows through the melody. It even sounds like something from another century. And then of course there's the glorious voice of Annie Lennox. I just love this!
What a wonderful, somewhat primal merging of Christianity and European paganism, this rendition is! The lyrics acclaim that Christ is King while the instruments and images exalt our European pagan ancestry. This is as it should be! Merry Christmas, and Yuletide blessings to my brothers and sisters, pagan and Christian alike!
@@Mycroft93 Friend, you touched my heart. Our God - and God's - are watching over us, yes. Blessings, always, to you and your family, our season is at hand!
I never knew of this, and what a wonderful remembrance of the history of Christmas. I really did cry hearing this... so glad i found it. Its never heard on radio. too reactionary for public audience??
This is an old Irish tradition when mummers would dress in disguise and visit their neighbors during the 12 days of Christmas.……it is very beautifully done!
I still play her Christmas 🎄 CD 💿…no one can replace her singing 🎶 for me. My oldest was borne right after her “SWEET DREAMS” song known then as the EURYTHMICS. She’s LEGENDARY for me. 🙆🏻♀️❤️🔥🕊️
This us about how centuries ago, newly-arrived Christianity made old mid-winter celebrations even sweeter. Celebrating the birth of the Sun of Righteousness along with the physical returning of daylight after the longest night just made the party better and better. Merry Christmas, all!
Yes! Annie Lennox simply transformed this beauty of a carol into something *phenomenal!* I respectfully disagree with it being dull though...then again, I have a sentimental attachment to this song having sung it at choir 🙂
I think this is one of the best of carols, way, way up from boring. Listen to the Bothers Figaro version, sounds like a speakeasy in the 20s. Brilliant. Annie Lennox version is superb, bordering on paganism. Loved it
Just found it last night on Xmas eve. Was looking for the version of the song by the Philadelphia Orchestra with Temple U, which is a masterpiece. Then found Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull’s wonderful version, then I lucked into this stunner. It will now be a tradition. Only regret that I was 10 years late to the show.
One says shephers were people of social margines, poor and excluded, often making their living robbing caravans. Those people have been chosen by the Angel to share the tiding. That's also the power of music and art in generał to gather and transform people and societies in the name of love, freedom and solidarity. Beautifully and forcefully invented and performed by Annie and her band!
The world was very much pagan in the beginning. Especially in England, Wales, Scotland and the Netherlands. I don’t see a pagan twist…..I see a Celebration of the old and the new….past and present.
I never tire of listening to this brilliant interpretation of this fantastic carol. And the video is like a Victorian Christmas card come to life. Annie Lennox created a masterpiece with her album, A Christmas Cornucopia. Most musicians take about two weeks to record a Christmas album, but Annie took nearly a year - and it shows. Brilliant arrangements.
Annie Lennox has such a beautiful powerful voice. She glows when she sings, and her music and video here give us a sense of the pagan origins of Christmas. Phony "Christians" despise those origins, but the baby Jesus would have giggled with delight from his manger if He had heard this.
This is exactly why this is my all-time favorite Christmas video! Annie leading her company fearlessly through the countryside, joyously proclaiming the Good News of Christ's birth, the coming of Light into the world, timed by early Christians to coincide with the Pagan celebration of Solstice (the return of the Light) and Yule, dancing with abandon with the fire and the Green Man/Santa! And those smiles hint of something a little wylde hidden just beneath the surface! Thank you, Annie!! ♥️🎄♥️
God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay For Jesus Christ, our Saviour was born on Christmas Day To save us all from Satan's powers when we were gone astray Glad tidings of comfort and joy Comfort and joy Glad things of comfort and joy In Bethlehem, in Israel this blessed Babe was born And laid within a manger upon this blessed morn The which His Mother Mary did nothing take in scorn Oh, tidings of comfort and joy Comfort and joy Oh, tidings of comfort and joy From God our Heavenly Father a blessed angel came And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same How that in Bethlehem was born the son of God by name Oh, tidings of comfort and joy Comfort and joy Oh, tidings of comfort and joy "Fear not then, said the Angel, let nothing you affright This day is born a Saviour of a pure virgin bright To free all those who trust in Him from Satan's power and might" Oh, tidings of comfort and joy Comfort and joy Oh, tidings of comfort and joy Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace This holy tide of Christmas all other doth deface Oh, tidings of comfort and joy Comfort and joy Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
@Rick Castillo Definitely my favourite Christmas Carol. And if it is true, this is good news indeed. I believe it is true. I love Annie Lennox's rendition and the Celtic / follky vibe.
The best part is when Annie is kneeling and the angel tells everyone "This day is born a savior to save us all from satan's pow'r and might" so we can take comfort in Him and have joy in the message. It's all about the message. Merry Christmas Mr. Hitchcock. 🌲
So marvelous! When she's singing 'as herself' she says, "comfort an' joy", but as the angel she very distinctly sings "comfort anD joy", which is a nice effect.
Best version of this I've ever heard. Not much of an Xmas music person but this is pure gold!!!! Annie you're the best and only get better with time. Impeccable in your craft.
I love her powerful interpretation of this ancient carol, and the amazingly badass video. The imagery in the video is simultaneously Victorian, medieval, and pagan. Haunting, especially at 1:09 when "...tidings of comfort and joy" comes out like a war-cry :-D
To me it seems a reference to the old world church adopting pagan symbols and styles in order to help native religions easily convert which was a great idea i wish anna could've been an influence back then. if so her voice could've called all non believers to repentance.
@@jennifernordlund2691 yes biut critics of the Christian church and would-be-neo-pagans als easily ignore the fact that many people just might have converted easily to Christianity. When you believe in multiple gods, trying out a new one is no big deal. The idea that only one religion is right and if anyone changes it it must have been forced on them, is a deeply monotheistic one!!
I'm sure some people did convert easily. That doesn't take away from the many who did so only under duress...torture, imprisonment. .or the many who were murdered.
This video is absolutely MAGNIFICENT! Genius! The team who created this have absolutely nailed the essence of old England. The visuals are just perfection. ❄️🌳 🎄🙏🎅🌳❄️🏴 💚🇬🇧❄️⭐️
It’s Christmas 2021 and lots of things going on but listening to this song give us comfort and joy, especially hearing Miss Lenox voice again. Happy Holiday, All!!!
Well here we are again, another year gone and I've picked this as my favourite Christmas song, yes I've started a bit early, lets have a really long Christmas, I wish you all a healthy and happy Christmas
Annie Lennox has done what few can do ...breath new life into a tired song, created an interesting and memorable video .... and captured our hearts ... THIS IS THE BEST VERSION EVER ...thank You Annie
@@judieg.7945 You tell her, Judie! This beautiful song has survived 500 years or more and will still be inspiring and lifting hearts 500 years from now.
This song really calms me down, I'm not particularly religious, but I love the pagan-y imagery and feel to the music. This is probably my favorite Christmas song ^_^
@@maxvogan8183 actually the imagery draws parallels from Celtic imagery, which is the early stemming of paganism, so technically yes it is but it’s not strictly pagan. Hence also why there is links to Wiccan imagery, which is a stemming of paganism.
Fantastic rendition of this carol. Annie must have one of the greatest voices of any living female singer, and the depiction of a Victorian Mummers' procession is beautifully done. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Annie Lennox is genius artist, and I've followed her for three decades. This Christmas song is odd, to say the least. However, it is intriguing. I suspect this was a big compromise between what she really believed and popular notions of Christmas; without sacrificing who is Annie Lennox. She is a spectacular artist, and I look forward to when I can see her new album.
The look of a 1900s movie combined with the pagan-esque imagery along with an excellent rendition of a traditional song make for something truly quite beautiful. One of the very few Christmas songs I actually like.
@@prydain4131 try looking at the imagery and it's full of it,the Holly and the ivy,the green Man the oak and Holly kingthe fact they are dressed as mummers,it's all there,these are true pagan imagery and not Hollywood shite
Andruid 50 Just because something has “folk” vibes doesn’t mean it’s pagan, European folk tradition still exists in Christian settings since Christianity isn’t an ethno-religion. It just strikes me as neo-pagans trying to desperately claim something as theirs so they can have some semblance of cultural relevance.
@@prydain4131 but it is Pagan imagery,and as a Briton it is my cultural relevance,some of this imagery has been found to date back to before Christianity came to these shores,maybe some we wish were pagan,but when it comes to claiming others things as theres,other religions are guilty as well
This is so fabulous, I can't even express everything it means to me. I do love the combination of Christianity and Paganism. Merry Christmas and Happy Yule to everyone!!
Wow how have I never heard this song before?? I was listening to Christmas songs on Alexa while baking banana bread last night and this came on. My mom, young daughter and I all looked at each other in surprise because they hadn't heard it either! And we all generally like this kind of neo-folksy, celtic-like music. Amazing song and incredible video! Like stepping back in time. I keep listening to this song over and over again. Well done Annie Lennox! 🎄🎁🎄🎁🎄
Only heard this version tonight. Wow. What a stunning rendition. It captures the mediaeval feel of the original carol, with a Victorian tone added. A masterpiece.
@Francie Stokes Depends on who you talk to but Christians consider anyone not Christian to be pagan (which includes Islam, Hindu, Buddhist, etc). Historians consider pagan religions to be pre-Christian religions like the Druids, Norse gods, Greek and Roman Gods, Egyptian gods, etc. There are also neo-pagan which are modern interpretations of old religions which would include Wicca and modern Druidism.
@Francie Stokes someone who worships nature and the earth. A lot of people who’re pagan believe in the Greek gods, the Egyptian gods, and/or the Fae. There’s a lot of different ways to be pagan but Hellenistic pagans are the most common.
@J The original song was pagan. This song is actually a parade and was created to “help” ease the massive conversion from paganism to Christianity. Much like Christmas, Halloween, and Easter. The original lyrics went something like “God rest ye merry pagan folk let nothing you dismay. Remember that the sun returns upon the solstice day. The growing dark is ending now and spring is on its way. Oh tidings of comfort and joy. Comfort and joy. Oh tidings of comfort and joy.” There’s much more to the song but I didn’t want to write out the rest of the lyrics.
@J Firstly was plenty of witches know the original song. I was merely commenting on how I liked the combination of pagan imagery in a Christian parody. I have no problem with the Christian parody but knowing that is a parody is important. I like that this artist blended both religions in this cover and have found many others who do as well. It’s only people like you who can’t seem to fathom the idea of others finding joy in a blend of culture and art that say that others can’t/won’t find a place here.
@J Wow your people never change. This song was as you’ve said completely rewritten which makes it a parody of the original song. Also there is a lot of pagan imagery in this video as well as a lot of Christian imagery which isn’t surprising because it’s the Christian parody of an originally pagan song. Just because you see your people’s culture and religion in this song doesn’t mean other people can’t as well and it doesn’t mean it’s not there. There’s hundreds of myths and traditions where people build a scare crow type thing and then dance around it or burn it. It doesn’t just belong to your religion. Also you seem so set on telling me to look somewhere else for something that I’ve found here. Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t inclusion important to your religion? Lastly the jab at witches wasn’t needed but I’m not all that surprised you made it due to your people’s history.
19 days out from Christmas 2021, and Annie's voice is as much of a celestial gift as it is every year. Merry Christmas to all. Here are my additional suggestions for Yuletide listening: 1.Annie singing "Il Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant". 2. Claire Bloom reciting the Nativity story from the Book of Luke at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from several years back. (You feel as though you have never heard it before). 3. John Gary singing "Rise Up Shepherd And Follow". 4. From the Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert "Spirit of the Season": "Bring A Torch, Jeanette Isabella" and "Noe! Noe!"
I really love this song, is so scotishhh!!!! When I listening it, I really feel the christmas spirit, as a mix, between Christian and the celtic traditions!!!!
I love this reworking of my favourite carol so much! Annie's version is just amazing! The sound ...the power of her voice and the video are just perfect. In fact I think I'm in the video.... the man in the top hat playing the drum!!??
So musically creative with the whistle playing in a major key on top of the minor key accompaniment and vocals. Creates a sense of unease and shifting mood from phrase to phrase as the vocal and the whistle take turns being more prominent. At first it bothered me as being "wrong" but now I appreciate how it contributes to the unique mood of the song and the video imagery. Well done!
I made a Pagan connection to this carol when I was a child, without even realizing it. When I heard the line, "The which His Mother Mary, did nothing take in scorn.." I heard "witch". :)
A year ago, a person on the internet could not derive any humor from a child's rather hilarious mishearing of archaic English grammar and did not find the idea of Mary with a pointy hat, going, "I'll get you, my pretty, and your LITTLE CAMEL TOO!" or being an actual witch and low-key healing a few friends (maybe the Wise Men -- they could have talked ceremonial magic). I can't with some people.
@@Balian_de_Ibelin Exactly my point, if you read my comment. I clearly said that I misunderstood the word that I was hearing. As an aside, a "witch" by some definitions is a wise woman, with a special connection to Deity. Mary, the Mother of Christ, is both those things.
Interesting fact: There are no "Merry Gentlemen" in this song. In those days, a common salutation was "God rest ye merry" There should be a comma after the "Merry" God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
This is one of the best, most atmospheric videos EVER!!!!!!! EVERYTHING about it from start to finish. I can watch it over and over! The rendition of the carol is mesmerizing! SO Christmassy. Like stepping into an old Christmas card.
I love this Christmas carol so much no matter if it’s sung traditional style or arranged like Annie’s version here. I do like the video a lot. It’s kind of trippy.
No lie, I have watched this hundreds of times and never tire of it. It's just magical to me. And Annie Lennox is just the best.
I do not know how many times I have heard this masterpiece and in many different versions and at the same time I don't know how many times I have seen this fantastic music video which includes Christianity, paganism, mystery, history, religion,art and alot more. I love it ❤
I'm seeing this for the first time. I heartily agree.
Return to this every December/Christmas/Yuletide - what a voice.
Same here.
@@katube84
Same
Totally!
Im a Hindu. But after hearing this song I can’t express and I’m left with tears of no reason.
It's most likely the gospel (which means good news) and the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ was sacrificed for the remission of our sins, and all we have to do is accept his gift of salvation, and acknowledge Him as your lord and savior.
I will not argue with either Les’ or Paul’s account of why you might be moved to tears ( whether Hindu or otherwise). I think there is something to be said for both of their explanations. I think your emotion has something to do with patriotism, something to do with affection for these Islands we live in , something of a feeling for the people in these Islands and the long history thereof. I think you can feel that if you are a citizen here OR if you are a visitor who means us well. Here’s another example, not a digression at a tangent, I promise. President Bush the 2nd made a remark, years ago, about how he felt good about liberating Iraq from Saddam Hussein. As a Hindu, you might relate to this when you think about India’s liberation of Bangladesh. Bush witnessed the resumption of Shia pilgrimage to the holy city of Najaf. Bush said he was very glad that Iraqis were doing that again. Iraqis being Iraqis, being in touch with their culture, their history, their ancestors is a GOOD thing. In the same way, I like that Hindus in 2020, with mobile phones and internet and Starbucks still ( some of them ) stand in The Ganges. I like that British people ( some of them) in 2020 still recognise songs sung by their ancestors. The fact that these songs in 2020 feature MTV ( Bollywood) production videos, and cross faders and big pop stars makes it even better. God rest ye Merry sirrah.
🤗🤗🤗🙏
The Lord Jesus loves you :)
All over the world and in any religion, we feel that we toil to keep evil and ruin at bay, but our efforts are never enough. Often we despair and think that our strength will not be enough. At that point, a message from the divinity promising that we will not fail indeed brings comfort and joy. Not that all religions are the same (I'm atheist btw), but the human condition is the same.
She is GENIUS. The best rendition ever. Pagan and Christian Ms Lennox and the band pulls the iron of my blood as a magnet to the music and my soul cannot resist.
Not pagan. Medieval.
Tidings of comfort and joy - Christ is a SAVIOUR
Annie could sing a cookbook and it would be a hit. She makes a great angel too.
Best reply to this song I have ever seen.
Might not be a hit but it would certainly deserve to be.
everything is said, you're right ahahah
@@Joakim4803 totally huh lol
It's kind of weird to see a comment that was made when I was in elementary school lmao (I'm in high school now) But you right you right
Love how she blends the Christian and pagan history of Christmas perfectly into this video... usually people are arguing about that, but here Annie is celebrating the cultural history. Awesome.
Do you mean the Green Man or Tom O' the Green? The Church appropriated him too and made him part of their festivals.
Didn't the Green Man become Father Christmas? And then Father Christmas merged with Santa Claus eventually
well, at one point, everyone was pagan.
+Logan Carlton It seems Henry VIII's idol-smashers (or vendors, a lot of stuff was shipped to Europe to be sold) spared the Green Men in the churches on the logic that no one would worship them.
+Raine Parker While the celebration of 'Christmas' was (and is for the most part today) a Christian celebration and holy day (it originated in the 4th century as a liturgical celebration commemorating the Nativity of Christ;, around the winter solstice, but with the emphasis on the incarnation of Christ, as "God in the Flesh" ('Emmanuel' in Hebrew means "God is with us"), in order to make it culturally relevant to the non-Christian 'pagans' (Roman term meaning "country folk", they needed to make it resonate with symbolism and beliefs that already existed which the local people understood as being already considered 'sacred' such as the solstice being the shortest day of the year and the day afterwards the days lengthen (which is where the observance of 'Lent' came from, with the word from the old Anglo-Saxon term meaning 'lencthene' meaning 'Spring' as the days get longer), without having to explain the meaning in specifically Jewish or Hebrew concepts and ideas foreign to Europeans unfamiliar at the time to Christianity and Judaism.... My long-winded point is, people (fundamentalist Christians mainly) can be offended til they are blue in the face and the proverbial cows come home but the reality is, religion must be inculturated in order for it to take root in a culture and become a part of society and individual lives as well.... This is what happened to Europe, that with a heavy dose of imperialism and feudalism of course which meant that you didn't really have much choice but to accept it as the status quo..... BUT, we have today's wonderfully complex and fascinating symbols, mythology, rituals and beliefs regarding the celebration of Christmas... It is essentially syncretism at its best, but that is part of being human and virtually all human cultures today have syncretized some foreign belief system on their own and made that once foreign belief or celebration their own.... Christmas in Britain (or anywhere else in the world) is no different......The Green Man or "Old Man Winter" gets incorporated with the Christ Child and angels mix with elves, etc... It's beautiful in my book and one of the hallmarks of human culture.
This video is like stepping inside an old Victorian Christmas card. I just love the drumbeat, the riff that flows through the melody. It even sounds like something from another century. And then of course there's the glorious voice of Annie Lennox. I just love this!
My thoughts exactly. Like a living Christmas card! Loved it!
It is indeed from another century. Or rather, 5 centuries.
I love the scenes of Victorian Christmases. And this song sums it up beautifully. ❤❤❤.
Voice simply GORGEOUS even talking that's also Power and no engineering required for Annie Lennox.
💕🎄❄️⛄.
I have to listen to this afresh every year. A brilliant and thought-provoking performance.
Me also!
What a wonderful, somewhat primal merging of Christianity and European paganism, this rendition is! The lyrics acclaim that Christ is King while the instruments and images exalt our European pagan ancestry. This is as it should be! Merry Christmas, and Yuletide blessings to my brothers and sisters, pagan and Christian alike!
@@Mycroft93 Friend, you touched my heart. Our God - and God's - are watching over us, yes. Blessings, always, to you and your family, our season is at hand!
@@Mycroft93 Thank you, brother! Buon" coraggio for the rest of your life.
White Europeans are dying soon to be a minority
I never knew of this, and what a wonderful remembrance of the history of Christmas. I really did cry hearing this... so glad i found it.
Its never heard on radio. too reactionary for public audience??
And also to you, friend. I felt my dormant lion stir, listening to this.
I'm not a Christian and will never be one, but.. Holy sweet baby Jesus! What have I just listened to?!
Cool song.
@@ibosquez5238 yes, it is AMAZING!
@J there is no God, he told us that the last time he spoke to G.W. Bush.
@@Buddy-po4hv
Oh Buddy, there is no God until the day you see Him, then what?
@@ibosquez5238 the day I see him I will tell him I thank him for giving young children cancer, and for creating stupid people.
Dude theres just something so beautiful about Annie's voice
agree
Do tell!
auto-tune quizás?
It's ridiculously auto-tuned, in this case.
@@Lucasgrijanderrr I think that this is no Autotuner. It is more like an (or multiple) Octaver to let Annie be her own Choir.
I have no idea why this is so addictive to watch.. haunting and so encapsulating to watch.. I can't explain it.. brilliant piece of art..
I just discovered it a couple of months ago and I bet I've watched it just about every day. ❤
Spellbinding
This is an old Irish tradition when mummers would dress in disguise and visit their neighbors during the 12 days of Christmas.……it is very beautifully done!
It's an old English tradition as well. Which is why it's being used as accompanying imagery to an English carol.
Mummers were originally from England and were brought to Ireland in the 1600's.
I have loved this for years. It spoke to me. Didn't know it was Irish.
From a former O'Shea
But it seems to be pagan... Isn't it? 🤔
@ the song is about the birth of Jesus…….this was just a way of celebrating the good news with neighbors and family.
This version gives me the chills every single time. It is like an instant time travel. Thank ou, Annie 🫂❣✌☮
I cannot listen to this rendition of the old Christmas song without tears coming to my eyes.
@@maxkronader5225 yes, I try to sing along and my voice gets the wobbles! 😥
how come have I discovered this gem only now?!? masterpiece ...
Ai, Nat!! Shiver's me timbers z'well..
My baby niece and nephew introduced me to this, and it's thrilled me ever since. FYI, I'm an atheist.
The first lady of British/Scottish music now. Bloody Marvellous.
Happy Birthday Annie Lennox! ♥
Ann Lennox (born 25 December 1954) ♥
A very powerful and visceral rendering of a mighty Carol . The video conjured up an old England that runs in the blood
This is still my favorite Christmas album. I've been a fan of Annie's since the 80's and I believe this is the best work she's ever done.
Agreed!
I still play her Christmas 🎄 CD 💿…no one can replace her singing 🎶 for me. My oldest was borne right after her “SWEET DREAMS” song known then as the EURYTHMICS. She’s LEGENDARY for me. 🙆🏻♀️❤️🔥🕊️
Absolutely agree! Just adore this album
Who else listening to this medieval and haunting song? Merry Christmas 2019 🌟 🎄
my 1st time hearing and frign love it!! only actual Christmas song I like!!! Merry Christmas!!
..and to you & those dear to you, the same 🙏
Me
I do, everything year, and always. She is great!!! I love her..
i listen to this track every christmas cant get enough of it , merry christmas mr
This us about how centuries ago, newly-arrived Christianity made old mid-winter celebrations even sweeter. Celebrating the birth of the Sun of Righteousness along with the physical returning of daylight after the longest night just made the party better and better. Merry Christmas, all!
One of the best versions I've heard, she is not afraid to say Jesus.
That's literally just the lyrics of the song like wdym
2024 Anyone??
Eu jkkk
Yeah, and not Xmastime by a long shot...the end of May '24. 😂 I'm here for my "Annie harmonizing with herself" fix.
Aaaaahhhhh, that's the good stuff.
May 25th here… I always seem to get songs stuck in my head at the most unusual of times.
This person here 🎉
End of July here, way away from Christmas!
Annie lennox has managed to turn one of the dullest Christmas carols into something phenomenal. Love it.
Yes! Annie Lennox simply transformed this beauty of a carol into something *phenomenal!* I respectfully disagree with it being dull though...then again, I have a sentimental attachment to this song having sung it at choir 🙂
I think this is one of the best of carols, way, way up from boring. Listen to the Bothers Figaro version, sounds like a speakeasy in the 20s. Brilliant. Annie Lennox version is superb, bordering on paganism. Loved it
@@patstocker3658 thanks, I'll give that a whirl.
A people living in darkness have seen a great light
Every year I love this more. Medieval, pagan, and Victorian imagery that somehow blends beautifully.
Yes, it packs a lot into it, doesn't it? Wonderfully done
You said it!
this song brings me comfort and joy.
agreed
@@housydoing Love this version
I do Not think There Exists a More Beautiful synthesis of Quasi-christian and Pagan Imagery. Bless Thee Lady
It's that time of year again. Who is listening in Dec. 2020? Merry Christmas all.
Happy 2021 !!
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Just found it last night on Xmas eve. Was looking for the version of the song by the Philadelphia Orchestra with Temple U, which is a masterpiece. Then found Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull’s wonderful version, then I lucked into this stunner. It will now be a tradition. Only regret that I was 10 years late to the show.
I
One says shephers were people of social margines, poor and excluded, often making their living robbing caravans. Those people have been chosen by the Angel to share the tiding. That's also the power of music and art in generał to gather and transform people and societies in the name of love, freedom and solidarity. Beautifully and forcefully invented and performed by Annie and her band!
A Christian Christmas carol with a Pagan twist, who'd have thought it could be so good!
The world was very much pagan in the beginning. Especially in England, Wales, Scotland and the Netherlands. I don’t see a pagan twist…..I see a Celebration of the old and the new….past and present.
Peace and love around the world merry Christmas everyone and 2025 brings us this
Merry Christmas to you.
Dec 2024. Absolutely love this version.
I never tire of listening to this brilliant interpretation of this fantastic carol. And the video is like a Victorian Christmas card come to life. Annie Lennox created a masterpiece with her album, A Christmas Cornucopia. Most musicians take about two weeks to record a Christmas album, but Annie took nearly a year - and it shows. Brilliant arrangements.
The most extraordinary version of this song ever recorded. It haunts.
Annie Lennox has such a beautiful powerful voice. She glows when she sings, and her music and video here give us a sense of the pagan origins of Christmas. Phony "Christians" despise those origins, but the baby Jesus would have giggled with delight from his manger if He had heard this.
???
This is exactly why this is my all-time favorite Christmas video! Annie leading her company fearlessly through the countryside, joyously proclaiming the Good News of Christ's birth, the coming of Light into the world, timed by early Christians to coincide with the Pagan celebration of Solstice (the return of the Light) and Yule, dancing with abandon with the fire and the Green Man/Santa! And those smiles hint of something a little wylde hidden just beneath the surface! Thank you, Annie!!
♥️🎄♥️
@@georgekomath8978 Read what moon babies says below (or above) ...
@@moonbabies9253 Exactly. Many people don't understand.
I don't think so! Jesus would never stand with wicked pagans and Christmas has nothing to do with the Bible like these pagans try to make you believe.
God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
For Jesus Christ, our Saviour was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's powers when we were gone astray
Glad tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Glad things of comfort and joy
In Bethlehem, in Israel this blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger upon this blessed morn
The which His Mother Mary did nothing take in scorn
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
From God our Heavenly Father a blessed angel came
And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same
How that in Bethlehem was born the son of God by name
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
"Fear not then, said the Angel, let nothing you affright
This day is born a Saviour of a pure virgin bright
To free all those who trust in Him from Satan's power and might"
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place
And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace
This holy tide of Christmas all other doth deface
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
@Rick Castillo Definitely my favourite Christmas Carol. And if it is true, this is good news indeed. I believe it is true. I love Annie Lennox's rendition and the Celtic / follky vibe.
Good job dude
God bless you
🥳 woow
Спасибо.
Best part -- Annie Lennox kneeling, gazing adoredly up at Annie Lennox. It's a pop star's version of heaven.
The best part is when Annie is kneeling and the angel tells everyone "This day is born a savior to save us all from satan's pow'r and might" so we can take comfort in Him and have joy in the message. It's all about the message. Merry Christmas Mr. Hitchcock. 🌲
Merry Christmas Mr. Hitchcock 🎄
What where Merry Christmas Mr. Hitchcock
Merry Christmas and bless you Mr. Hitchcock. 🌲
@@cristinacastelli1501
He might mean at 2:00 Annie is playing both the lady in crimson and also the angel.
God’s word is not silent on those who mix the Holy and the profane.
Can we all just agree that Annie's vocals are so powerful and strong it's unbelievable.
Oh yes! I was saying that to my son when I saw your comment. Amazing!
It’s Her faith in Jesus Christ that turns this into a quasi-battle cry.
@@RGNay999 It is. No doubt about that.
@@RGNay999вот так нужно проповедовать Евангелие, исповедовать свою веру и радоваться что ты христианин
Yes, Annie is one of God’s most delightful creations.
So marvelous! When she's singing 'as herself' she says, "comfort an' joy", but as the angel she very distinctly sings "comfort anD joy", which is a nice effect.
This is a wonderful version and of one of my favourite carols.❤
Best version of this I've ever heard. Not much of an Xmas music person but this is pure gold!!!! Annie you're the best and only get better with time. Impeccable in your craft.
I love her powerful interpretation of this ancient carol, and the amazingly badass video. The imagery in the video is simultaneously Victorian, medieval, and pagan. Haunting, especially at 1:09 when "...tidings of comfort and joy" comes out like a war-cry :-D
Greg Walker religion is one big war cry ,it always has been
To me it seems a reference to the old world church adopting pagan symbols and styles in order to help native religions easily convert which was a great idea i wish anna could've been an influence back then. if so her voice could've called all non believers to repentance.
I don't think torture and murder was an "easy conversion " for anyone. ;) Christians love to ignore their dark history. Lol. Gorgeous song though.
@@jennifernordlund2691 yes biut critics of the Christian church and would-be-neo-pagans als easily ignore the fact that many people just might have converted easily to Christianity. When you believe in multiple gods, trying out a new one is no big deal. The idea that only one religion is right and if anyone changes it it must have been forced on them, is a deeply monotheistic one!!
I'm sure some people did convert easily. That doesn't take away from the many who did so only under duress...torture, imprisonment. .or the many who were murdered.
This video is absolutely MAGNIFICENT! Genius!
The team who created this have absolutely nailed the essence of old England. The visuals are just perfection. ❄️🌳 🎄🙏🎅🌳❄️🏴 💚🇬🇧❄️⭐️
It's so earthy, tribal and simply beautiful. It stays with you long after the song finished.
4 Years Ago
It’s Christmas 2021 and lots of things going on but listening to this song give us comfort and joy, especially hearing Miss Lenox voice again. Happy Holiday, All!!!
GLORY TO GOD IN HIGHEST!
A lovely rendition of this carol evoking medieval elements with a sort of steampunk imagery... And her voice...angelic.
The angel said "to free all those who trust in Him from satan's pow'r and might. Oh tidings of comfort and joy!" Praise God.
Well here we are again, another year gone and I've picked this as my favourite Christmas song, yes I've started a bit early, lets have a really long Christmas, I wish you all a healthy and happy Christmas
Oh that voice! I never get tired of hearing it. Her smile, her beauty, Annie is such a gift.
Annie Lennox has done what few can do ...breath new life into a tired song, created an interesting and memorable video .... and captured our hearts ... THIS IS THE BEST VERSION EVER ...thank You Annie
This song was never tired.
@@judieg.7945 You tell her, Judie! This beautiful song has survived 500 years or more and will still be inspiring and lifting hearts 500 years from now.
Silent Night and Away in a manger, those are tired (and not very good) carols. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen was NEVER a tired carol.
I'm Israeli and Jewish--but this is fantastic
…and wonderfully subversive… 🤗
This song really calms me down, I'm not particularly religious, but I love the pagan-y imagery and feel to the music. This is probably my favorite Christmas song ^_^
Its not pagan-y imagery .. Thats just how your perception bubbles perceive it ... You are some what creative thou
@@maxvogan8183 actually the imagery draws parallels from Celtic imagery, which is the early stemming of paganism, so technically yes it is but it’s not strictly pagan. Hence also why there is links to Wiccan imagery, which is a stemming of paganism.
This song and a spaceman came travelling are my favourites
I stumbled across this beautiful version of the hymn. Love the video.
The medieval instruments are fantastic - what an arrangement - fantastic
I don't remember seeing this video - it is so artistic, religious, and cool all at the same time!
I am listening this Winter Solstice Season 2021...Merry Christmas and God bless us, everyone!
Fantastic rendition of this carol. Annie must have one of the greatest voices of any living female singer, and the depiction of a Victorian Mummers' procession is beautifully done. Merry Christmas, everyone!
It the large puppet St Nick?
@@kimburnersackmann8829 It's rather pagan-looking. Maybe Odin?
@@PsyVen thanks. Very interesting! Googled it, and I agree.
What a lovely Christmas tune .Glad to see Annie use of ancient ways and people in her video welcoming our Lord and his Gospel .Happy Christmas all .X
This is probably the best version of this song I've ever heard and I grew up in a Christian home so I heard this song a lot growing up.
She has a powerful, beautiful voice and I have lived her for years. Yes Trudy , what a great film clip, if you can disregard the religious theme.
Thumbs up and Merry Christmas if you are here in 2021. Have a safe, happy and prosperous new year.
Only a pagan could make such a honourary tribute to Christianity look so respectful.
We are rapidly approaching Christmas 2022 it is time to watch this frequently.
This is my favourite carol now thanks to this version. Just incredibly beautiful and ethereal.
Annie is truly a rare gem.... This by far is my favorite version of this song.💜
My Sweet Lord! Is Annie Lennox ever so ahead of her time(travel?)! 🖤🤍🖤
Annie Lennox is genius artist, and I've followed her for three decades. This Christmas song is odd, to say the least. However, it is intriguing. I suspect this was a big compromise between what she really believed and popular notions of Christmas; without sacrificing who is Annie Lennox. She is a spectacular artist, and I look forward to when I can see her new album.
The look of a 1900s movie combined with the pagan-esque imagery along with an excellent rendition of a traditional song make for something truly quite beautiful. One of the very few Christmas songs I actually like.
Very well described.
I don't understand understand where people are getting "pagan" from. There is nothing in this song that strikes as pagan.
@@prydain4131 try looking at the imagery and it's full of it,the Holly and the ivy,the green Man the oak and Holly kingthe fact they are dressed as mummers,it's all there,these are true pagan imagery and not Hollywood shite
Andruid 50 Just because something has “folk” vibes doesn’t mean it’s pagan, European folk tradition still exists in Christian settings since Christianity isn’t an ethno-religion.
It just strikes me as neo-pagans trying to desperately claim something as theirs so they can have some semblance of cultural relevance.
@@prydain4131 but it is Pagan imagery,and as a Briton it is my cultural relevance,some of this imagery has been found to date back to before Christianity came to these shores,maybe some we wish were pagan,but when it comes to claiming others things as theres,other religions are guilty as well
This is so fabulous, I can't even express everything it means to me. I do love the combination of Christianity and Paganism. Merry Christmas and Happy Yule to everyone!!
Annie Lennox makes everything new and refreshing- a cultural treasure, for everyone
This is the only version of this song that I truly love! Annie Lennox forever!
Back again, as this always brings joy this time of year.
Happy 2023 everyone.
Wow how have I never heard this song before?? I was listening to Christmas songs on Alexa while baking banana bread last night and this came on. My mom, young daughter and I all looked at each other in surprise because they hadn't heard it either! And we all generally like this kind of neo-folksy, celtic-like music.
Amazing song and incredible video! Like stepping back in time. I keep listening to this song over and over again. Well done Annie Lennox!
🎄🎁🎄🎁🎄
Have you three been living under a rock or what? 🤔🤔🤔
@@IrishGlobetrotter2023andbeyondSo you came here just to insult two women and a girl? So much for that vaunted Irish charm.
Only heard this version tonight. Wow. What a stunning rendition. It captures the mediaeval feel of the original carol, with a Victorian tone added. A masterpiece.
Jim Duffy Me too. I’m so glad to have discovered it.
Love this version - the pagan references - the arrangement. Could listen to it in July.
Amy Goreham i am listening in june😅😅😅
..and I am listening to it in July, 2020.
I save it for Christmas - LOVE it
Listening 19/05/2021🎅
It was once called Yule.
Wish I had heard this 9 years ago. Only found this in the run up to Christmas 2019. Like a festive sea shanty. Love it.
There's a whole album
I need to sing this in school assembly 😢wish me luck
I’m pagan and I just love this rendition of this song. The pagan version will always hold place in my heart but this one is definitely up there.
@Francie Stokes Depends on who you talk to but Christians consider anyone not Christian to be pagan (which includes Islam, Hindu, Buddhist, etc). Historians consider pagan religions to be pre-Christian religions like the Druids, Norse gods, Greek and Roman Gods, Egyptian gods, etc. There are also neo-pagan which are modern interpretations of old religions which would include Wicca and modern Druidism.
@Francie Stokes someone who worships nature and the earth. A lot of people who’re pagan believe in the Greek gods, the Egyptian gods, and/or the Fae. There’s a lot of different ways to be pagan but Hellenistic pagans are the most common.
@J The original song was pagan. This song is actually a parade and was created to “help” ease the massive conversion from paganism to Christianity. Much like Christmas, Halloween, and Easter. The original lyrics went something like “God rest ye merry pagan folk let nothing you dismay. Remember that the sun returns upon the solstice day. The growing dark is ending now and spring is on its way. Oh tidings of comfort and joy. Comfort and joy. Oh tidings of comfort and joy.” There’s much more to the song but I didn’t want to write out the rest of the lyrics.
@J Firstly was plenty of witches know the original song. I was merely commenting on how I liked the combination of pagan imagery in a Christian parody. I have no problem with the Christian parody but knowing that is a parody is important. I like that this artist blended both religions in this cover and have found many others who do as well. It’s only people like you who can’t seem to fathom the idea of others finding joy in a blend of culture and art that say that others can’t/won’t find a place here.
@J Wow your people never change. This song was as you’ve said completely rewritten which makes it a parody of the original song. Also there is a lot of pagan imagery in this video as well as a lot of Christian imagery which isn’t surprising because it’s the Christian parody of an originally pagan song. Just because you see your people’s culture and religion in this song doesn’t mean other people can’t as well and it doesn’t mean it’s not there. There’s hundreds of myths and traditions where people build a scare crow type thing and then dance around it or burn it. It doesn’t just belong to your religion. Also you seem so set on telling me to look somewhere else for something that I’ve found here. Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t inclusion important to your religion? Lastly the jab at witches wasn’t needed but I’m not all that surprised you made it due to your people’s history.
19 days out from Christmas 2021, and Annie's voice is as much of a celestial gift as it is every year. Merry Christmas to all. Here are my additional suggestions for Yuletide listening:
1.Annie singing "Il Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant".
2. Claire Bloom reciting the Nativity story from the Book of Luke at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from several years back. (You feel as though you have never heard it before).
3. John Gary singing "Rise Up Shepherd And Follow".
4. From the Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert "Spirit of the Season": "Bring A Torch, Jeanette Isabella" and "Noe! Noe!"
I really love this song, is so scotishhh!!!! When I listening it, I really feel the christmas spirit, as a mix, between Christian and the celtic traditions!!!!
I love this reworking of my favourite carol so much! Annie's version is just amazing! The sound ...the power of her voice and the video are just perfect.
In fact I think I'm in the video.... the man in the top hat playing the drum!!??
Had to look at this again.
Wish she had released videos with the rest of the songs.
Not just brilliant vocals and an excellent musical production, but quite possible the most artful Christmas music video ever made. Brava!
Sometimes I forget what an INCREDIBLE set of pipes Annie has... All hail Ms. Lennox!
So musically creative with the whistle playing in a major key on top of the minor key accompaniment and vocals. Creates a sense of unease and shifting mood from phrase to phrase as the vocal and the whistle take turns being more prominent. At first it bothered me as being "wrong" but now I appreciate how it contributes to the unique mood of the song and the video imagery. Well done!
I live for comments such as this! 👍
She is hauntingly fascinating...In Jesus name Amen
There's no outward reason for this song and video to be so dark and mysterious but it really is, my new favourite xmas song.
Who is listening in December 2021?
Merry Christmas all!
Things I didn't know I needed:
1. Annie Lennox singing Christmas Carols
2. Pagan-Victorian aesthetic
I made a Pagan connection to this carol when I was a child, without even realizing it. When I heard the line, "The which His Mother Mary, did nothing take in scorn.." I heard "witch". :)
was het niet wench ?
The word witch is irrelevent here though. Nothing to do with the lyrics.
A year ago, a person on the internet could not derive any humor from a child's rather hilarious mishearing of archaic English grammar and did not find the idea of Mary with a pointy hat, going, "I'll get you, my pretty, and your LITTLE CAMEL TOO!" or being an actual witch and low-key healing a few friends (maybe the Wise Men -- they could have talked ceremonial magic). I can't with some people.
@@Balian_de_Ibelin Exactly my point, if you read my comment. I clearly said that I misunderstood the word that I was hearing. As an aside, a "witch" by some definitions is a wise woman, with a special connection to Deity. Mary, the Mother of Christ, is both those things.
@@gunnarthorsen exactly!
Remember, Annie Lennox received a thorough classical music education before she and Dave Stewart began The Eurythmics
Interesting fact: There are no "Merry Gentlemen" in this song. In those days, a common salutation was "God rest ye merry"
There should be a comma after the "Merry"
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
OMG this is everything I have ever wanted in my life!!! She cannot be from this planet. Nothing this pure could have come from a mere human.
"God rest ye merry, gentlemen." The gentlemen are not merry. It's a Christmas blessing. The holiday is ancient and the video is wonderful.
I find this video both cosy and sinister at the same time. One of my all time favourite Xmas songs though.
This is one of the best, most atmospheric videos EVER!!!!!!! EVERYTHING about it from start to finish. I can watch it over and over! The rendition of the carol is mesmerizing! SO Christmassy. Like stepping into an old Christmas card.
I love this Christmas carol so much no matter if it’s sung traditional style or arranged like Annie’s version here. I do like the video a lot. It’s kind of trippy.