HERE WE COME A-CAROLING

Traditional English Carol
Lyrics: Adapted by David Warner
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

“Here We Come A-Caroling” is a variant on the traditional English carol from the West Country. The practice of communal caroling involved going door-to-door at Christmastime offering wishes of prosperity and good health and sharing food or drink together. It’s an ancient winter tradition that actually predates Christianity in England, but was easily adapted into Christmas celebrations. 

This carol gained popularity during the Victorian era, when it likely spread to the United States with English immigrants. The caroling variant of the text and title is particularly, though not exclusively, an American adaptation.

Here we come a-caroling 
among the leaves so green.
Here we come a-wand’ring 
so fair to be seen.
Love and joy come to you 
and to you, glad Christmas too.
And God bless you and send 
you a Happy New Year.
And God send you a 
Happy New Year.

We come here not as 
strangers to knock upon 
your door,
But we are neighbors’ 
children whom you have 
seen before.
Love and joy come to you 
and to you, 
glad Christmas too.

And God bless you and send 
you a Happy New Year.
And God send you a Happy 
New Year.

God bless the master of 
this house likewise the 
mistress too, 
And all the little children 
who count them kind 
and true,
Love and joy come to you 
and to you, 
glad Christmas too. 
And God bless you and send 
you a Happy New Year.
And God send you a 
Happy New Year!