We could all use a bit of Christmas cheer right about now. This has been a really rough year that followed hot on the heels of another really rough year. And unfortunately, thanks to a mutant called omicron, we can probably expect another fairly rough year ahead, at least at the beginning. But before the next wave rolls over us, it might be a good idea to have a little socially-responsible merriment.
The song We Wish You A Merry Christmas is so old that nobody knows who wrote it, but the best guess of better guessers than me is that it came out of the west of England in the 18th Century. Whoever wrote it had a knack for merry melodies and this one has lightened the load for many people over the last couple of centuries. There are verses about figgy pudding and barrels full of beer but the main thrust of the lyrics is a wish for the joy of others. As you, reading this, are “the other” from my viewpoint, I would like to take the opportunity afforded by the season to wish you all the merriment and happiness you can handle.
This is at least the third Christmas season that I have tried to figure out how to play this song on piano and I just about have it. Here are a couple of verses – feel free to sing along and bring your own beer, figgy pudding, or whatever floats your boat:
We wish you a Merry Christmas We wish you a Merry Christmas We wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year Good tidings to you And all of your kin We wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year
Words & Music by Mike Power 