DECK THE HALL
Deck the Hall
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and guest artist Rolando Villazón perform "Deck the Hall."
ABOUT 'DECK THE HALL'
Music and text: English carol
Arrangement: Sam Cardon
Although the tune for “Deck the Hall” is a Welsh melody from the 16th century, the words are mid-19th century American, written in an attempt to evoke nostalgically the Christmas traditions of European ancestors. The melody comes from an old dancing song, part of a New Year’s Eve celebration originally performed with singers and harps. The English text bears little direct relationship to the original Welsh lyrics, with “fa la la” refrains being typical of 16th-century English madrigals. Still, the references to harps, dancing, and the New Year ensure that the flavor of the original Welsh song is retained in its English version.
This arrangement was written by Emmy-winning composer Sam Cardon.
LISTEN TO THE FULL SONG
LYRICS
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!
Don we now our gay apparel.
Fa la la la la la la la la!
Troll the ancient yuletide carol.
Fa la la la la la la la la!
See the blazing yule 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 la!
While I tell of yuletide 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!
CONT...
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses.
Fa la la la la la la la la!
Sing we joyous all together.
Fa la la la la la la la la!
Heedless of the wind and weather.
Fa la la la la la la la la!
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!
Don we know our gay apparel
Fa la la la la la la la la!
Troll the ancient yuletide carol.
Fa la la la la. Fa la la la la.
Fa la la la la la la la la!