Man, be merry (Alec Rowley)

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Posted on 2026-03-22(Posted 2026-03-22) CPDL #88722:

Editor: Douglas Walczak (submitted 2026-03-22). Score information: Letter, 5 pages, 75 kB Copyright: Personal

Edition notes:

General Information

Title: Man, be merry
Composer: Alec Rowley
Lyricist:
Number of voices: 4vv Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Carol

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1928
Description:

External websites:

Original text and translations

English text

Refrain
Man, be merry as bird on berry
And all thy care let away.

This time is born a child full good,
He that us bought upon the rood:
He found the devil that is so wood,
till the dreadful doomesday. Man, be merry...

When the child of mickle might would
be born of Mary bright,
A token he sent to king and knight,
A star that shone both night and day.

The star shone bright as fire over
the world both far and near
In token He was without peer;
And peerless he shall lasten, ay. Man, be merry...

The twelfth day come kinges three
Out of the east, with hearte free;
To worship Him they kneeled on knee
With gold and myrrh and frankincense. Man, be merry...