Dating back to at least the 16th century, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” was originally a folk song meant to comfort common people during bleak winters. The phrase “rest ye merry” didn’t mean cheerfulness—it meant be strengthened, take courage.
FOE leaned into that original meaning, shaping the carol into a dark, driving, minor-key meditation that honors the song’s age and grit.
The arrangement uses rhythmic guitar pulses, ambient low-end textures, and a steady, determined pace—capturing not cheer, but resolve.
This version isn’t a festive tune; it’s a reminder of hope that holds firm when the world feels cold and heavy.
God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satans power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
In Bethlehem in Israel
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
That which His mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Rejoice rejoice Emmanuel is come
The King of kings the great I Am
Sins curse has been undone
God rest ye merry gentlemen
Hes come to make us whole
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy