The dancing king today may sleep
The frivolries of every year
His swaddled bands, and manger deep
The usual crowd – the usual cheer

But what a life has taken up!
The turkey’s done, the stuffing too
For you and me, the bitter cup
And would you mind, another brew?

He threw the starry sky at night
No mum this year, she’s over Paul’s
And hailed on Sunday, light from light
Well, I predict a thousand brawls…

So do we see Him, lying there,
Oh, do shut up, you really should
The King of kings in stable bare?
Have some respect, and if I could

The chill of winter, cold and raw
Make one request, I know it’s tough.
Our low estate! But comes the thaw
Oh please don’t sigh, that’s quite enough

A child is born, and all is bliss
To go to Mass, when all is done
In such a dreary world as this
And not the cheaty, spoken one!

By Him ‘twas made, by Him restored
But Midnight Mass, when we were small
When on the Cross His life He poured
We couldn’t wait to hear the call

The Virgin knows, to her was told
Of distant bells from country spire
A piercing blade, all icy cold
To bid us try and help the choir

But this, His dance, for this He came
To sing the chant – and carols too –
To take away our sin and shame.
The priest all decked in golden hue.

So hush a moment, calm your din
I think he’s started wait a mo.
Allow the Lord to enter in!
Benedicamus Domino!