Greensleeves - Classical Christmas Music and Holiday Songs, The Merry Christmas Players, Christmas Carols

Greensleeves

William Chatterdon Dixs

Version 1 & 2

What child is this, who, lay to rest,

on Mary’s lap, is sleeping

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,

while Shepards watch are keeping

Chorus

This, this is Christ the King

whom Shepards guard and angels sing

Haste, Haste, to bring him laud,

The babe, the son of Mary

Why lies he in such mean estate

where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christian, fear;

for sinners

here the silent Word is pleading

Chorus

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh come,

peasant, King, to own him;

The King of kings salvation brings,

let loving hearts enthrone Him

Chorus

Version 2

Alas, my love, you do me wrong,

To cast me off discourteously

For I have loved you well and long,

Delighting in your company

Greensleeves was all my joy

Greensleeves was my delight,

Greensleeves was my heart of gold,

And who but my lady greensleeves

Your vows you’ve broken, like my heart,

Oh, why did you so enrapture me?

Now I remain in a world apart

But my heart remains in captivity

I have been ready at your hand,

To grant whatever you would crave,

I have both wagered life and land,

Your love and good-will for to have

If you intend thus to disdain,

It does the more enrapture me,

And even so, I still remain

A lover in captivity

My men were clothed all in green,

And they did ever wait on thee;

All this was gallant to be seen,

And yet thou wouldst not love me

Thou couldst desire no earthly thing,

but still thou hadst it readily

Thy music still to play and sing;

And yet thou wouldst not love me

Well, I will pray to God on high,

that thou my constancy mayst see,

And that yet once before I die,

Thou wilt vouchsafe to love me

Ah, Greensleeves, now farewell, adieu,

To God I pray to prosper thee,

For I am still thy lover true,

Come once again and love me