Song Anatomy: Melody, Chords, Bass, Rhythm

As students of music, how do we effectively focus our thoughts as we sail the vast oceans of sound? Let’s consider the idea of breaking songs down into smaller parts, which I will call song anatomy.

Recognizing song anatomy puts wind in our sails and guides the efficiency of our practice time.

Written Music as a Guide

At the beginning of a transcribed piece of music, two main components are labeled as signatures: the time signature and the key signature. I plan to create separate posts diving into these topics more deeply, but wanted to use these two ideas as the foundation for this discussion.

Time signature (rhythm)

The time signature defines the song’s rhythmic aspect, consider it an X-axis (horizontal).

Key signature (scales)

The key signature designates the (do-re-mi) scale used, the Y-axis (vertical).

Song Anatomy: Rhythm and Pitched Scales

I suggest we chunk information always keeping in mind the anatomy of a song while we study music.  So I’d like to share with you my breakdown of the parts that deserve the greatest attention: rhythm (the beat) and pitched scales (the melody, chords, and bass).

Two Wheels:

Let’s think of music’s sound as the two wheels of a bike:

  1. Back wheel = rhythmic feel
  2. Front wheel = pitched scales
Music bicycle
Andy’s 2-wheel view of music

Rhythm: driver

I think rhythm is the most crucial element to master, so let’s start there.

Rhythm is the song’s driving force, the part that enables motion, the heartbeat.

pulse
Rhythm is the beat in music

Performing rhythm well is what separates entertainment from the a-rhythmic sound of practicing. This is the case at every ability level: beginner to master.

There are 4 rhythmic subjects I’d like us to discuss: tempo, meter, note values, and feel.

Tempo

Tempo is measured as beats per minute (bpm)…how fast or slow the beats of a song are counted.

So 60 bpm is one count per second (slow).  120 bpm would be two clicks per second (dancy).

105 bpm = moderate walking pace

Meter

Meter refers to a standard way musicians collectively count a song.

Most American (and Western) genres count to 4 repeatedly.

Each numbered count is called a beat.

A 4/4 time signature, the most popular, means that four quarter notes complete a measure.

Note Values

Notes: sound for a specific time.

Rests: silence for a specific time.

Types

Whole, half, quarter, and eighth are the top tier note values.

Sixteenth, thirty-second, sixty-fourth, and so on, are smaller beat subdivisions.

image
Note Values Chart — displaying 6 different note values.

All note/rest types can occur in triplet form.

All note/rest types can occur with dots following, which elongate (for an additional half of the value of the note attached to).

Feel (or Placement)

I use the word feel to help us become the best we can possibly be!

From a dry aspect we can consider swing vs. a straight feel.

But another angle I think adds extreme personality to individual players is their attention to note placement.

By note placement I mean the precision of where a musician places every single note in relation to each beat: late, on the beat, or early.


Now let’s discuss the front wheel of the bike: pitched scales.

Scales

Song anatomy could be defined many ways… For this study, let’s consider four elements that I think all music students should master to make meaningful music: rhythm, melody, chords (and accompaniment), and bass (the root).

Music students... 
Always know which part 
of the anatomy: 
1) you are trying to 
conquer
2) is causing your 
rhythm to hiccup
3) to break down and 
focus on conquering the hiccup

Four Song Anatomy Elements

  1. Melody = The main event, the head
  2. Chords = The accompaniment, the torso
  3. Bass = The foundation, the footing
  4. Rhythm = The beat, the dance, the flow
Music elements in regards to vertical pitch
Notice that middle C is in the center of everything!

Rhythm is not a part of this image!


1) Melody

Think of the melody as the main event in song anatomy, the primary attraction. Melody is almost always experienced as one note at a time (one voice singing the part).

Beethoven's 5th melody
Famous 4 melody notes of Beethoven’s 5th

Melody can be thought of as the part where a singer sings lyrics in pop music, or where violins carry the tune in orchestral music.

A melody also tends to breathe and not be a run on sentence (unless you’re experiencing Bach.)

In the image above, you can see that Beethoven used repetition, the initial 3 notes of his famous 5th Symphony, come to a conclusion on a different note: tension and resolve.

Motion: 4 Types of Intervals

Motion is a journey: the rise and fall of a melody–like a boat bobbing over waves.

An interval is the distance between two notes. For instance, when you travel from Do to Re, that interval is called a 2nd because only 2 scale positions are used. But the interval is a 3rd when you travel from Do to Mi, because there is a total of 3 positions including the note skipped (Re).

Reading notation, written notes on a staff, the reader follows the dots moving in the following distances/intervals up or down:

  1. Same–the following note doesn’t ascend or descend
  2. Steps–2nds (two letters involved)
  3. Skips–(3rds, 4ths, 5ths) … (3rds=three letters involved)
  4. Leaps–(6ths, 7ths, octaves)

1) Same

“Same” means there is no motion, or that the note stays the same: repetition. Let’s take a 2nd look at this motion type in Beethoven’s initial 3 notes, which stay on the same line.

Beethovens-5th-same
Motion not moving positions, or staying the same

2) Steps

Steps are the most common type of motion mostly because they are the easiest to sing.

Masterful composers and songwriters (from Bach to Beethoven to the Beatles) use this as their dominant motion choice.

Let’s look at an example of stepwise motion:

stepwise motion
stepwise motion

Each note head is changing positions: from a line to a space, to a line to a space. If you play connect the dots, you should see each note head either moving up one position or down one position.

3) Skips

Beethoven uses a skip in the 5th Symphony introduction: the 3rd note to the final 4th note in the image displays a note head skipping from the 2nd line down to the 1st line. Describing the motion as a skip means that it is skipping over a space.

Beethovens-5th-skip
The circled notes show a “skip” of a 3rd, from line to line, skipping the bottom space

4) Leaps

Leaps are very large melodic jumps, which are challenging to sing!

A popular example of a leap is the interval an octave (aka an 8th).

The melody in “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” uses an octave leap at the moment you sing the two ascending notes for the chorus lyric “Some-where.”

Somewhere Over Octave
This example of a leap, an “octave,” or 8 positions ascending, is a large interval jump!
somewhere 8
Same image zoomed in to see each “step” better climbing the “octave”

 

link back up to Four Anatomy Elements


2) Chords

Chords sound as multiple notes at once—harmony—and are generally used to embellish the melody.

Emotional Results of Harmony

When we put two or more notes together, the outcome affects us emotionally:  (in basic terms) positively or negatively.

Dissonance and resolution are more appropriate terms to describe these two possibilities:

  • Dissonant—agitation needing to go somewhere, sounding incomplete
  • Resolved—home, smooth, stable, a satisfactory completion

 

Harmony occurs as different types. Let’s distinguish 3 ways to put harmony together (there are many more ways, but this will get us started):

  • Dyads—2 vertical notes
  • Triads—3 vertical notes
  • Triad plus Extensions—4 or more vertical notes

Dyad

Two notes sounding simultaneously creates a dyad.

Guitarists (and piano players) use dyads in the form of power chords (5ths). On the chart below, the P5 is the “perfect 5th,” which is the same as a power chord.

dyad intervals
Dyads–2 notes played simultaneously (aka intervals)

According to studies going back to the Renaissance, the “perfect” harmonies, known as consonant sounds, start with the P above, which stands for “perfect.”

The “U” fits into that category (“u” meaning unison, meaning two voices singing the same pitch/note).

The other dyads with the upper and lower case “m” have a more colorful sound than the perfect intervals.

  • Upper case M = Major
  • Lower case m = minor

The following intervallic harmonies are examples that display dissonant sound:

  • 2nd
  • 7th

Triad

Three notes written vertically and played simultaneously.

Most common form looks like a snow man (3rds). Look out for this combination as it is a particular grip on both the guitar and piano.

image
The stacked 3 notes are root position triad examples

Triad + extension

Most common form is a 7th chord.

CMaj7
C major 7 chord

The green notes show the every-other-note grip that is typical to a triad and its extension.

7th chords come in different types. The following are the most popular:

  • Minor 7th
  • Dominant 7th
  • Major 7th (the type shown above in green)

For the purposes of this simpler tutorial, I will get into more triad + extensions concepts in other posts.

Block chords vs. Arpeggios

So far, I’ve only discussed vertical harmony…but it can also be experienced melodically as well. Played this way you will hear the notes of the chord one followed by the next like a melody.

link back up to Four Anatomy Elements


3) Bass

We usually experience bass as one deep note at a time (as opposed to chords).

Bass is the foundation of song anatomy—the low end of pitched frequencies. It provides a thumping of sound that can actually be physically felt.

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Sound waves travel slower on the lower frequency spectrum, which means there is more time between each wavelength.

Typically, bass notes occur one at a time creating a fuller sound underneath the melody and supporting chords.

I generally think of bass as notes below Middle C. So on an 88 note keyboard, that is a little less than  half of the notes! But the main range for bass is between E1 – G3 (though it can go beyond those extremes).

The left hand on the piano is generally responsible for playing bass notes.

Music elements in regards to vertical pitch
Notice that middle C is in the center of everything!

link back up to Four Anatomy Elements


4) Rhythm

Lastly, I think rhythm is the most important quality in music. Though I already described rhythm at the top of this post, I find it to be so important that I wanted to finish on that note once again.

In the song anatomy, rhythm intertwines with the pitched elements (melody, chords, bass) like the vascular system in our bodies.

Rhythm is the element that makes us dance! It’s exciting and a motivator.

Counting to 4 repeatedly is the most common meter for songs. It is possible to count to other numbers: 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 are used pretty regularly in Classical music.

Once you start over, the part you completed is called a measure.

I will make other posts just focusing on the details of rhythm!

I’ve given a brief description already at the top of this post.

link back up to Four Anatomy Elements


I hope you enjoyed my simple thoughts regarding song anatomy!

Check out my website:

http://andyletke.com

 

Christmas Songs – Lyrics and Chords

Welcome to Andy’s Large List of Christmas Songs (and more). This is a collection of easy Sing-Along Style Christmastime Lyrics and Chords.

Every December we all need a substantial ready-to-go sing-along bundle of Christmas Carols we can use on our cell phones (or other devices)–your mobile Christmas Song Libretto.

It was my goal in assembling these song arrangements to stay simple enough for me to sing and play on ukulele, guitar, or piano…and in a good vocal range for men and women.

Cell Phone Viewing

I recommend you look at each song in LANDSCAPE instead of portrait. The formatting will look correct that way. 

landscape
Landscape will probably look better

Please let me know if you have any suggestions.

Enjoy!


Table of Contents

Religious Christmas Songs

Kid’s Christmas Songs

Folksy Christmas Songs

Secular Christmas Songs

  • New Years Songs

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    Thanksgiving Songs

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    Religious Christmas Songs

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    Angels We Have Heard On High

    Christmas Carol Les Anges dans nos campagnes, 
    translated 1862 by James Chadwick
    
    C               G        C
    Angels we have heard on high,
    C               G       C
    sweetly singing ore the plains
    C                 G    C
    And the mountains in reply,
    C             G      C
    echoing their joyous strains 
    C A7 Dm G C F G G7   C     F     G7
    Gloria . . .         in excelsis Deo
    C A7 Dm G C F G G7   C     F     G     C
    Gloria . . .         in excelsis De-e-eo
    
    C             G       C
    Come to Bethlehem and see,
    C                      G      C
    Christ whose birth the angels sing
    C             G      C
    Come adore on bended knee,
    C                   G       C
    Christ the Lord the newborn King 
    C A7 Dm G C F G G7   C     F     G7
    Gloria . . .         in excelsis Deo
    C A7 Dm G C F G G7   C     F     G     C
    Gloria . . .         in excelsis De-e-eo
    C            G      C
    See Him in a manger laid,
    C                  G      C
    whom the choirs of angels praise
    C             G         C
    Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
    C                   G       C
    while our hearts in love we raise 
    C A7 Dm G C F G G7   C     F     G7
    Gloria . . .         in excelsis Deo
    C A7 Dm G C F G G7   C     F     G     C
    Gloria . . .         in excelsis De-e-eo

     

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    Away in a Manger

    By a Martin Luther follower 
    (3/4 rhythm)
    
      D        D         
    Away in a manger, 
        G           D
    No crib for His bed,
         A           A        
    The little Lord Jesus, 
         G              D
    Lay down His sweet head.
          D           D                    
    The stars in the sky, 
            G             D
    Looked down where He lay
          A             D       
    The little Lord Jesus, 
       G      (A)  D
    Asleep on the hay
    
        D           D         
    The cattle are lowing, 
         G     D
    the baby awakes;
         A           A       
    But little Lord Jesus, 
         G        D
    No crying He makes.
       D               D        
    I love Thee, Lord Jesus, 
          G             D
    Look down from the sky,
          A         D           
    And stay by my bedside, 
          G     (A)  D
    'Til morning is Nigh.
    
        D            D      
    Be near me Lord Jesus, 
      G            D
    I ask Thee to stay,
          A        A       
    Close by me forever, 
         G          D
    And love me I pray.
          D              D         
    Bless all the dear children, 
        G          D
    In Thy tender care,
         A           D       
    And take us to glory, 
        G        (A)    D
    To live with Thee there.

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    Go Tell In on the Mountain

     D                D          
    Go tell it on the mountain, 
    A                  D
    over the hills and everywhere;
    D                 D        G    
    Go tell it on the mountain that 
    D     A7        D
    Jesus Christ is born.
    
           D                   D
    While shepherds kept their watching 
          G                D
    o'er silent flocks by night,
    
       D                   Bm             
    Behold throughout the heavens 
           Em          A  A7
    there shone a Holy Li-ight.
    
    D                 D        
    Go tell it on the mountain, 
    A                  D
    over the hills and everywhere;
    D                 D        G    
    Go tell it on the mountain that 
    D     A7        D
    Jesus Christ is born.
    
        D                    D             
    The shepherds feared and trembled when 
    G             D
    lo! Above the earth,
         D             Bm           
    Rang out the angel chorus that 
    Em                   A  A7
    hailed our Saviour's bi-irth.
    
    D                 D         
    Go tell it on the mountain, 
    A                  D
    over the hills and everywhere;
    D                 D        G    
    Go tell it on the mountain that 
    D     A7        D
    Jesus Christ is born.
    
         D          D          
    Down in a lowly manger 
        G                  D
    the humble Christ was born
         D                  Bm         
    And brought us God's salvation 
          Em               A  A7
    that blessed Christmas mo-orn!
    
    D                 D         
    Go tell it on the mountain, 
    A                  D
    over the hills and everywhere;
    D                 D        G    
    Go tell it on the mountain that 
    D     A7        D
    Jesus Christ is born.
    

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    God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

        Dm       A     Dm       
    God rest ye merry gentlemen,
        Bb      Bb      A
    Let nothing you dismay
      Dm      A         Dm      
    Remember Christ our savior
        Bb     Bb       A
    Was born upon this day
       Bb      Bb        F      F
    To save us all from Satan's power
         Dm      Dm      C
    When we were gone astray
       F          C   A       Dm
    Oh tidings of comfort and joy,
                C
    Comfort and joy,
       F          C   A       Dm 
    Oh tidings of comfort and joy.
    
         Dm      A        Dm    
    From God our heavenly father
         Bb             A
    This blessed angel came
        Dm   A       Dm    
    And unto certain shepherds
            Bb              A
    Brought tidings of the same
        Bb             F
    How that in Bethlehem was born the
      Dm            C
     son of God by name
      F          C   A       Dm
    O tidings of comfort and joy,
                C
    Comfort and joy
      F          C   A        Dm 
    O tidings of comfort and joy
    

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    Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

    The (B) major chord is optional
    
    D                       A     
    Hark! The Herald angels sing 
      D    G      A       D
    glory to the newborn king
    D                        A                   
    Peace on earth and mercy mild. 
     A       D
    God and sinners 
    E     A
    reconciled.
    D             G       A     
    Joyful all ye nations rise, 
    D                G       A          
    join the triumph of the skies,
    G              G   (B)   Em 
    With  angelic host proclaim, 
    A          D          A  D
    Christ is born in Bethlehem!
    G                G (B)   Em    
    Hark! The Herald angels sing, 
    A     D      G   A    D
    Glory to the newborn king.
    
    
    D                            A              
    Christ, by highest heav'n adored, 
    D          G    A      D                  
    Christ the everlasting Lord.
    D                        A
    Late in time behold Him come, 
    A         D       E        A
    offspring of the virgin's womb.
    D                   G         A                  
    Veiled in flesh the God-head see, 
    D                  G   A
    Hail the incarnate Deity.
    G                   G  (B)  Em     
    Pleased as Man with man to dwell, 
    A     D        A D
    Jesus our Emmanuel!
    G                G (B)  Em    
    Hark! The Herald angels sing, 
    A     D      G   A    D
    Glory to the newborn king.
    
    
    D                      A
    Mild he lays his glory by. 
    D         G       A        D
    Born that man no more may die.
    D                         A                
    Born to raise the sons of earth. 
    A        D         E      A
    Born to give them second birth.
    D                  G       A                 
    Risen with healing in His wings, 
    D                 G       A
    light and life to all He brings.
    G               G   (B)   Em  
    Hail the Son of Righteousness! 
    A         D          D      A   D        
    Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace!
    G                G (B)   Em    
    Hark! The Herald angels sing, 
    A     D      G   A    D
    Glory to the newborn king.
    

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    It Came upon a Midnight Clear

    written by Edmund H. Sears, 
    Richard S. Willis,
    and Jack Schroeder
    
       G     C       G   C     G
    It came upon the midnight clear, 
         C        A7      D7
    That glorious song of old, 
         G      C       G    C   G
    From angels bending near the earth 
       C           D7       G
    To touch their harps of gold! 
    
          B7                 Em   B7 Em
    Peace on the earth, good will to men, 
         D        A7           D     D7
    From heaven's all gracious King! 
        G        C      G     C    G
    The world in solemn stillness lay 
       C        D7     G
    To hear the angels sing.
    
    
           G           C      G     C    G
    Still through the cloven skies they come
         C        A7      D7
    With peaceful wings unfurled
        G            C       G  C   G
    And still their heavenly music floats
         C       D7    G 
    Over all the weary world
    
      B7              Em  B7  Em
    Above its sad and low-ly plains
         D        A7      D    D7  
    They bend on hovering wing
        G    C        G  C   G
    And ever over its Babel sounds
        C       D       G  
    The blessed angels sing
    
    
      G     C            G   C    G
    O ye beneath life's crushing load
          C          A7      D7   
    Whose forms are bending low
        G      C        G   C   G
    Who toil along the climbing way
         C       D7        G
    With painful steps and slow
    
         B7               Em   B7  Em
    Look now for glad and gold-en hours
         D       A7     D    D7       
    Come swiftly on the wing
      G      C        G    C  G
    O rest beside the wear-y road
        C        D7     G
    And hear the angels sing
    

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    Joy to the World

    C                 F    C   G  C
    Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
        F     G           C
    Let earth receive her King;
        C  F  C         C   F   C   
    Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room,
        C                 C
    And Heaven and nature sing,
        G                 G7
    And Heaven and nature sing,
        C       F   C       F   C  G7   C
    And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
    
    
    C                  F  C   G   C
    Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
        F         G        C
    Let men their songs employ;
           C     F   C              C     F   C   
    While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
       C                 C
    Repeat the sounding joy,
       G                 G7
    Repeat the sounding joy,
       C    F  C     F  C    G    C
    Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
    
    
    C                   F    C     G   C
    He rules the world with truth and grace,
        F          G       C
    And makes the nations prove
        C   F   C       C    F   C
    The glories of His righteousness,
        C               C
    And wonders of His love,
        G               G7
    And wonders of His love,
        C   F     C  F    C  G   C 
    And wonders, wonders, of His love.
    

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    O Come All Ye Faithful

    The (D G C G) chord sequence in the 
    Choruses are optional.
    
    Verse 1:
    
      G            D
    O come, all ye faithful 
    G          C  G   D
    Joyful and triumphant 
       Em  A      D          D  A     D
    O come ye, oh come ye to Be-e-thlehem 
    G          D7   G
    Come and behold Him 
    D        Em      D
    Born the king of angels 
    
    
    Chorus: 
    
       G   (D   G  C G)    G
    Oh come let us adore Him 
       G   (D   G  C G)   D
    Oh come let us adore Him 
    G    Am       A7   D   G  C
    Oh   come let us adore Hi-im 
    G  D       G
    Christ the Lord 
    
    Verse 2: 
    G               D
    Sing, Choirs of angels 
    G         C  G  D
    Sing in exultation 
    Em    A      D          D   A    D
    Sing all ye citizens of heaven above! 
    G        D7 G
    Glory to God 
    D  G  Em     D
    In the highest Glory 
    
    
    Chorus: 
    
       G   (D   G  C G)   G
    Oh come let us adore Him 
       G   (D   G  C G)   D
    Oh come let us adore Him 
    G    Am       A7   D   G  C
    Oh   come let us adore Hi-im 
    G  D       G
    Christ the Lord 
    
    Verse 3: 
    
    G            D
    Yea, Lord we greet thee 
    G      D   G  C G  D
    Born this happy morning 
    Em A     D           D  A   D
    Jesus to Thee be all glory given 
    G           D7  G
    Word of the Father 
    D   G  Em      D
    Now in flesh appearing 
    
    Chorus: 
    
       G   (D   G  C G)   G
    Oh come let us adore Him 
       G   (D   G  C G)   D
    Oh come let us adore Him 
    G    Am       A7   D   G  C
    Oh   come let us adore Hi-im 
    G  D       G
    Christ the Lord 
    

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    O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

      Em             Am   Em
    O come, O come, Emmanu-el,
        Em             D    Em
    And ransom captive Isra-el,
         Am               G     D
    That mourns in lonely exile here
      Em             Am     G
    Until the Son of God appear.
    
       D        Em
    Rejoice! Rejoice!
    Am     Em       Em              D    Em
    Emmanu-el shall come to thee, O Isra-el.
    
    
      Em                     Am       Em
    O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
          Em             D       Em
    Our spirits by Thine advent here;
         Am              G        D
    And drive away the shades of night,
         Em                    Am       G
    And pierce the clouds and bring us light.
    
    
       D        Em
    Rejoice! Rejoice!
    Am     Em       Em              D    Em
    Emmanu-el shall come to thee, O Isra-el.
    
       D        Em
    Rejoice! Rejoice!
    Am     Em       Em              D    Em
    Emmanu-el shall come to thee, O Isra-el.
    

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    O Holy Night

    (pinnacle vocal melody moment...
    save it for End of Verse 2)
    
    C		          		    		       
    O holy night, the 
      F
    stars are brightly 
      C
    shining; It is the 
     C 			 G 		     
    night of the dear Savior's 
    C
    birth. 
    
    C 			         
    Long lay the world in 
     F             C C7
    sin and error pining, 
    	      Em 			   
    Till he appeared and the 
     B 		      Em
    soul felt its worth. 
      G  			   
    A thrill of hope, the 
     C
    weary soul rejoices, 
        G     		  
    For yonder breaks a 
     C
    new and glorious morn. 
    Am 		     Em
    Fall on your knees, 
        Dm 		        Am
    Oh, hear the angel voices! 
      C G      C F
    O night divine, 
      C 		   G	     C
    O night when Christ was born! 
    
        G   G7    C F     C 	  
    O night,   O ni-ight divine,     
    
    G             C
       O night divine! 
    
    
    
    C		            
    Led by the light of 
     F		    	C
    faith serenely beaming, 
                  C 			
    With glowing hearts by His 
      G 	    C
    cradle we stand. 
    C 			    
    O'er the world a 
      F               C  C7
    star is sweetly gleaming, 
    	         Em 		    
    Now come the wisemen from 
    B 		          Em
    out of the Orient land. 
         G  			     
    The King of kings lay 
      C
    thus the lowly manger; 
        G     		 
    In all our tri-als 
     C
    born to be our friends. 
    Am 		     Em        
    He knows our need, our 
     Dm              Am
    weakness is no stranger, 
      C  G         C    F    C	  
    Beho-old your King!   Before    
    
    G	           C
        him lowly bend! 
    
        G   G7    C F       C 	 
    O night,   O ni-ight divine,     
    
    G             C
       O night divine! 
    

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    O little Town of Bethlehem

    Consider Capo on fret 2
    
    
    D              G
    Oh little town of Bethlehem
        D        A         D
    How still we see thee lie
      D                  Em
    Above the dark and dreamless sleep
        D       A       D   
    The silent stars go by
        D                F#
    For in the dark sky shineth 
        G           F#
    The everlasting light
        D                  G                    
    The hopes and fears of all the years
        D      A7      D
    Are met in thee tonight
    
        D             G
    How silently, how silently,
        D         A       D
    The wondrous gift is given;
        D             Em
    So God imparts to human hearts
         D        A       D
    The blessings of His Heaven.
        D                F#
    No ear may hear His coming,
        G                F#
    But in this world of sin,
          D                G
    Where meek souls will receive Him still,
        D           A      D
    The dear Christ enters in.
    

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    Ode To Joy

    maybe later!
    

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    Silent Night

    A                         
    Silent night! Holy night! 
    E           D        A 
    All is calm all is bright 
    D                A                
    Round yon virgin mother and child 
    D              A
    Holy infant so tender and mild 
    E                 A        
    Sleep in heavenly peace! 
     A       E         A
    Sleep in heavenly peace!
    
    A                            
    Silent night! Holy night! 
     E              D       A
    Shepherds quake at the sight
    D                    A          
    Glories stream from heaven afar 
     D                   A
    Heavenly hosts sing Hallelujah
    E                      A      
    Christ the Savior is born! 
      A        E          A
    Christ the Savior is born!
    
    A                        
    Silent night! Holy night! 
     E          D            A
    Son of God love's pure light 
    D                   A            
    Radiant beams from thy holy face 
     D                  A
    With the dawn of redeeming grace
    E                 A      
    Jesus lord at thy birth! 
     A     E           A
    Jesus lord at thy birth!
    

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    The First Noel

         C      G       
    The First Noel, the 
     F          C
    Angels did say
           F              C         
    Was to certain poor shepherds 
        F              C
    in fields as they lay
    
        C                 G      
    In fields where they lay   
      F             C
    keeping their sheep
          F             C          
    On a cold winter's night that 
     F      C
    was so deep.
    
      C     G     F     C
    Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
     F           C      F  G C
    Born is the King of Isra-el!
    

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    We Three Kings of Orient Are

    Em                B7     Em
    We three kings of Orient are 
    Em               B7        Em
    Bearing gifts we traverse afar.
    Em        D          G        
    Field and fountain, moor and mountain, 
    Am        B7     Em
    Following yonder star. 
    
    D D7 G               C       G
    Oh,  star of wonder, star of night, 
                    C      G
    Star with royal beauty bright, 
    Em       D        C        D
    Westward leading, still proceeding, 
    G               C       G
    Guide us to thy perfect Light. 
    
    
    Em             B7          Em
    Born a king on Bethlehem's plain, 
    Em              B7         Em
    Gold I bring to crown Him again, 
    Em      D     G
    King forever, ceasing never 
    Am      B7      Em
    Over us all to reign.
    
    D D7 G               C       G
    Oh,  star of wonder, star of night, 
                    C      G
    Star with royal beauty bright, 
    Em       D        C        D
    Westward leading, still proceeding, 
    G               C       G
    Guide us to thy perfect Light. 
    
    
    Em              B7         Em
    Frankincense to offer have I. 
    Em             B7    Em
    Incense owns a Deity nigh. 
    Em         D        G
    Prayer and praising all men raising, 
    Am            B7     Em
    Worship Him, God on high.
    
    D D7 G               C       G
    Oh,  star of wonder, star of night, 
                    C      G
    Star with royal beauty bright, 
    Em       D        C        D
    Westward leading, still proceeding, 
    G               C       G
    Guide us to thy perfect Light. 
    

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    What Child is This

         Am                 G         
    What Child is this who  laid to rest
        F              E
    On Mary's lap is sleeping?
         Am                G        
    Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
            F        E         Am
    While shepherds watch are keeping?
    
    
    C             G           
    This, this is Christ the King,
           F                 E
    Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
    C                G          
    Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
         F         E      Am
    The Babe, the Son of Mary.
    
    
        Am              G     
    Why lies He in such mean estate,
          F               E
    Where ox and ass are feeding?
         Am                    G        
    Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
         F      E       Am
    The silent Word is pleading.
    
    
    C            G             
    Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
          F                E
    The cross be borne for me, for you.
    C              G          
    Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
        F         E      Am
    The Babe, the Son of Mary.
    
    
       Am                  G         
    So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
          F               E
    Come peasant, king to own Him;
        Am             G          
    The King of kings salvation brings,
         F      E          Am
    Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
    
    
    C              G        
    Raise, raise a song on high,
         F                E
    The virgin sings her lullaby.
    C            G          
    Joy, joy for Christ is born,
        F          E      Am
    The Babe, the Son of Mary
    

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  • Kid’s Christmas Songs

    All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth

    VERSE
    C                              
    All I want for Christmas is my 
    D7
    two front teeth,
       G7                            
    My two front teeth, 
        C
    my two front teeth.
    C                                                
    Gee, if I could only have my 
    D7 
    two front teeth,
         G7                                           
    Then I could wish you 
             C 
    Merry Christmas.
                              
                                                      
    BRIDGE
       F                                               
    It seems so long since I could say,
    C             G7           C        E7 
    "Sister Susie sitting on a thistle."
    Am                                                  
    Gosh, oh gee, how happy I'd be,
       D7           G7                                    
    If I could only whistle. (thhh)
    
    
    VERSE
    C                              
    All I want for Christmas is my 
    D7
    two front teeth,
       G7                            
    My two front teeth, 
        C
    my two front teeth.
    C                                                
    Gee, if I could only have my 
    D7 
    two front teeth,
         G7                                           
    Then I could wish you 
             C 
    Merry Christmas.
    
                                                      
    (spoken) Oh for goodness sakes, 
    Happy New Year!
    

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    Frosty the Snowman

    INTRO
    G                      
    Thumpety thump thump, 
     G
    thumpety thump thump, 
    G              D7
    Look at Frosty go. 
    D                      
    Thumpety thump thump, 
     D
    thumpety thump thump, 
    D                   G
    over the hills of snow!
    
    
    VERSE 1:
    G                          C           G
    Frosty the Snow Man, was a jolly happy soul 
           C                   G
    With a corn-cob pipe and a button nose
            D                G
    and two eyes made out of coal.
    
    
    VERSE 2:
    G                         C               G
    Frosty the Snow Man, is a fairy tale they say
           C                    G        
    He was made of snow but the children know 
           C       D7       G
    how he came to life one day.
    
    
    BRIDGE 1:
          C                   G             
    There must have been some magic in that 
    Am                 G
    old silk hat they found,
        D                D              
    For when they put it on his head he 
       A7             D7
    began to dance around.
    
    
    VERSE 3:
        G                         
    Oh, Frosty the Snow Man was 
      C               G
    alive as he could be, 
            C                                             
    And the children say he could 
     G
    laugh and play 
             C       D7       G
    just the same as you and me.
    
    
    VERSE 4:
    G                          
    Frosty the Snow Man, 
              C                G
    knew the sun was hot that day,
          C                                                 
    So he said, "Let's run  
               G
    and we'll have some fun
          C      D7    G
    now before I melt away."
    
    
    VERSE 5:
    G                           
    Down to the village, with a 
      C                 G
    broomstick in his hand,
            C                                          
    Running here and there all 
      G
    around the square,
            C           D7  G
    saying "Catch me if you can."
    
    
    BRIDGE 2:
       C                 G                  
    He led them down the streets of town 
          Am             G
    right to the traffic cop,
           D             D               
    And he only paused a moment when he 
    A7                 D7
    heard him holler, "Stop!"
    
    
    VERSE 6:
    G                          
    Frosty the Snow Man had to 
    C            G
    hurry on his way,
           C                                                
    But he waved good-bye, saying, 
      G 
    "Don't you cry;
            C     D7        G
    I'll be back again some day."
    
    Ending:
    G                      
    Thumpety thump thump, 
     G
    thumpety thump thump, 
    G              D7
    Look at Frosty go. 
    D                      
    Thumpety thump thump, 
     D
    thumpety thump thump, 
    D                   G
    over the hills of snow!
    

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    Here Comes Santa Claus

    Gene Autry, O.Haldeman (c) 1947
    
    
    C
    Here comes Santa Claus
    C 
    Here comes Santa Claus, 
    G7
    Right down Santa Claus Lane.
    G7 
    Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer 
    C
    are pulling on the rein. 
    
    F                    C
    Bells are ringing, children singing;
    G7                 C
    All is merry and bright.
    F                        C 
    Hang your stockings and say your pray'rs,
            G7                C            
    'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.
    
    C
    Here comes Santa Claus
    C 
    Here comes Santa Claus, 
    G7
    Right down Santa Claus Lane.
    G7 
    He's got a bag that is filled with toys
    C                            C7
    for the boys and girls again.
    
    F                        C
    Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle, 
    
     G7               C
    What a beautiful sight. 
    F                C      
    Jump in bed and cover up your head, 
           G7                   C           
    'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!
    

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    I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

    C      C            Em      Em
    I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus
    
    C               C             G7    G7
    Underneath the mistletoe last night.
    
        G7             G7
    She didn't see me creep
    
               C               C    
    Down the stairs to have a peep;
    
         D                  D7
    She thought that I was tucked
    
              G              G
    Up in my bedroom fast asleep.
    
          C      C            Em     Em
    Then, I saw Mommy tickle Santa Claus
    
    C               C               F     F
    Underneath his beard so snowy white;
    
                F                  G7
    Oh, what a laugh it would have been
    
       C      E7       A7
    If Daddy had only seen
    
    D7     C      Am     F     G7   C
    Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night.
    

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    Jingle Bells

    D                    D
    Dashing through the snow,
         D                G
    in a one-horse open sleigh,
    G                  A 
    O'er the fields we go, 
    A                 D
    laughing all the way.
    D                   D
    Bells on bob-tails ring, 
    D                G
    making spirits bright,
          G            D
    What fun it is to ride and sing a 
      A             D
    sleighing song tonight. Oh!   
     
    
    **CHORUS**
     D             D
    Jingle bells, jingle bells,
     D              D
    Jingle all the way!
    G             D
    O what fun it is to ride
         E                A
    In a one-horse open sleigh, hey!
    
     D             D
    Jingle bells, jingle bells,
     D              D
    Jingle all the way!
    G             D
    O what fun it is to ride
         A                D
    In a one-horse open sleigh
    
    
      D            D
    A day or two ago, I 
      D                 G
    thought I'd take a ride
         G               A
    And soon Miss Fanny Bright 
         A            D
    was seated by my side
         D                  D          
    The horse was lean and lank, 
        D                  G
    Misfortune seemed his lot
        G           D                
    We ran into a drifted bank and 
     A              D
    there we got upsot. Oh!
    
    
    **CHORUS**
     D             D
    Jingle bells, jingle bells,
     D              D
    Jingle all the way!
    G             D
    O what fun it is to ride
         E                A
    In a one-horse open sleigh, hey!
    
     D             D
    Jingle bells, jingle bells,
     D              D
    Jingle all the way!
    G             D
    O what fun it is to ride
         A                D
    In a one-horse open sleigh
    
    
      D            D     
    A day or two ago, 
          D          G
    the story I must tell
       G               A     
    I went out on the snow 
        A            D
    and on my back I fell
       D               D 
    A gent was riding by in a 
    D               G
    one-horse open sleigh
        G               D
    He laughed at me as I there lay but 
     A              D
    quickly drove away.  Oh! 
    
    
    **CHORUS**
     D             D
    Jingle bells, jingle bells,
     D              D
    Jingle all the way!
    G             D
    O what fun it is to ride
         E                A
    In a one-horse open sleigh, hey!
    
     D             D
    Jingle bells, jingle bells,
     D              D
    Jingle all the way!
    G             D
    O what fun it is to ride
         A                D
    In a one-horse open sleigh
    
    
    D                   D     
    Now the ground is white, 
    D                   G
    Do it while you're young
     G               A      
    Take the girls along and 
     A                   D
    sing this sleighing song
          D               D    
    Just bet a bobtailed bay, 
        D            G
    Two forty as his speed
     G              D               
    Hitch him to an open sleigh and 
      A                     D
    crack! You'll take the lead. Oh!
    
    **CHORUS**
     D             D
    Jingle bells, jingle bells,
     D              D
    Jingle all the way!
    G             D
    O what fun it is to ride
         E                A
    In a one-horse open sleigh, hey!
    
     D             D
    Jingle bells, jingle bells,
     D              D
    Jingle all the way!
    G             D
    O what fun it is to ride
         A                D
    In a one-horse open sleigh
    

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    O Christmas Tree

      D                     D
    O Christmas tree, O  Christmas tree,
          A7                 D
    With faithful leaves unchanging.
         D                 D
    O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
          A7                 D
    With faithful leaves unchanging,
    
        D             A7
    Not only green in summer's heat,
        A               D
    But also winter's snow and sleet;
    
         D            C    B7  
    O Christmas tree, O  Christmas tree,
          G              A7   D
    With faithful leaves un-changing.
    
    
    
      D                     D
    O Christmas tree, O  Christmas tree,
         A7               D
    How lovely are your branches.
      D                     D
    O Christmas tree, O  Christmas tree,
         A7               D
    How lovely are your branches.
    
        D             A7
    In summer sun or winter snow
       A                D
    A coat of green you always show.
    
         D            C    B7  
    O Christmas tree, O  Christmas tree,
         G          A7    D
    How lovely are your branches.
    

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    Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

    (first melody note is an E in this version)
    (ascend to "G" by the time you sing lyric "Dasher")
    
    INTRO
             C          G          C           G
    You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen
    C         G         C          G
    Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen
    Em           Am
    But do you recall
             A7                 D7
    The most famous reindeer of all
    
    
    G                      G
    Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
    G                 D
    Had a very shiny nose
    D                D
    And if you ever saw it
     D                     G
    You would even say it glows
    
    G                 G
    All of the other reindeer
    G                           D
    Used to laugh and call him names
    D                    D
    They never let poor Rudolph
      D                   G
    Play in any reindeer games
    
    
    C                G
    Then one foggy Christmas Eve
    D             G
    Santa came to say
    D
    Rudolph with your nose so bright
    A7                 D7
    Won't you guide my sleigh tonight
    
    G                      G
    Then how the reindeer loved him
    G                         D
    As they shouted out with glee
    D                      D
    Rudoplh the red-nosed reindeer
    D                  G
    You'll go down in history
    

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    Santa Claus is Coming to Town

         G            G        C         C
    You better watch out, you better not cry,
         G          G        C           C     
    you better not pout I'm telling you why, 
     G              C      D     G       
    santa claus is coming    to town.
    
    D         G        G         C           C
        He's making a list and checking it twice,
    G           G          C           C     
    gonna find out who's naughty and nice, 
    G               C       D     G
    Santa Claus is coming     to town.
    
    
        G7                  C
    He sees you when your sleeping,
        G7                C
    he knows when you're awake
         A7       A7         D      D          
    he knows if you've been bad or good so be 
    A7         A7      D    D7
    good for goodness sake. Oh
    
          G           G         C         C
    you better watch out, you better not cry,
          G          G        C           C   
    you better not frown I'm telling you why, 
    G               C       D     G
    Santa Claus is coming     to town.
    
    
           G           G        C          C
    With little tin horns and little toy drums,
           G            G         C          C            
    with root-ti-toot-toots and rumpty-tum-tums
    G               C       D     G
    Santa Claus is coming     to town.
    
    D       G             G        C         C
       And curley-haired dolls to cuddle and coo,
    G           G         C           C
    elephants, boats and kiddles cars too,
    G               C       D     G
    Santa Claus is coming     to town.
    
    
        G7        G7      C          
    The kids in girl and boy town - will 
    G7          C    C
    have a jubilee
              A7     A7    D         D         
    they're gonna build a toy land town - 
        A7           A7       D    D7
    all around the christmas tree, so
    
          G           G          C        C
    you better watch out, you better not cry
          G          G          C          C
    you better not frown I'm telling you why.
    G               C       D     G
    Santa Claus is coming     to town.
    

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    Up on the House Top

    Benjamin Hanby 1860
    
    D
    Up on the housetop reindeer pause,
    G         D        A
    Out jumps good old Santa Claus.
    D
    Down thru the chimney with lots of toys,
    G           D            A7        D
    All for the little ones, Christmas joys. 
    
    G           D
    Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go?
    A7          D
    Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go!
                        G
    Up on the housetop, click, click, click.
    D                          A7         D
    Down thru the chimney with good Saint Nick. 
    
    D
    First comes the stocking of little Nell;
    G        D      A
    oh, dear Santa, fill it well
    D
    Give her a dolly that laughs and cries;
    G             D        A7       D
    one that will open and shut her eyes. 
    
    G           D
    Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go?
    A7          D
    Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go!
                        G
    Up on the housetop, click, click, click.
    D                          A7         D
    Down thru the chimney with good Saint Nick. 
    
    D
    Next comes the stocking of little Will,
    G        D          A
    oh, just see what a glorious fill
    D
    Here is a hammer, and lots of tacks;
    G      D           A7        D        
    also a ball, and a whip that cracks. 
    
    G           D
    Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go?
    A7          D
    Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go!
                        G
    Up on the housetop, click, click, click.
    D                          A7         D
    Down thru the chimney with good Saint Nick.
    

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  • Folksy Christmas Songs

    Twelve Days of Christmas

           D             
    On the first day of Christmas, 
        A                 D
    My true love sent to me 
       D        G     A     D
    A partridge in a pear tree. 
    
           D              
    On the second day of Christmas, 
         A                D
    My true love sent to me 
    A
    Two turtle doves, 
           D        G     A     D
    And a partridge in a pear tree. 
    
           D             
    On the third day of Christmas, 
        A                 D
    My true love sent to me 
    A
    Three French hens, 
    A
    Two turtle doves, 
           D        G     A     D
    And a partridge in a pear tree. 
    
           D              
    On the fourth day of Christmas, 
         A                D
    My true love sent to me 
    A
    Four colly birds, 
    A
    Three French hens, 
    A
    Two turtle doves, 
           D        G     A     D
    And a partridge in a pear tree. 
    
           D             
    On the fifth day of Christmas, 
         A                D
    My true love sent to me 
    D    E    A
    Five gold rings, 
    D
    Four colly birds, 
    G
    Three French hens, 
    E          A
    Two turtle doves, 
           D        G     A     D
    And a partridge in a pear tree. 
    
           D             
    On the sixth day of Christmas, 
         A                D
    My true love sent to me 
    A
    Six geese a-laying, 
    D    E    A
    Five gold rings, 
    D
    Four colly birds, 
    G
    Three French hens, 
    E          A
    Two turtle doves, 
           D        G     A     D
    And a partridge in a pear tree.
    
           D               
    On the seventh day of Christmas, 
         A                D
    My true love sent to me 
    A
    Seven swans a-swimming, 
    A
    Six geese a-laying, 
    D    E    A
    Five gold rings, 
    D
    Four colly birds, 
    G
    Three French hens, 
    E          A
    Two turtle doves, 
           D        G     A     D
    And a partridge in a pear tree.
    
           D              
    On the eighth day of Christmas, 
         A                D
    My true love sent to me 
    A
    Eight maids a-milking, 
    A
    Seven swans a-swimming, 
    A
    Six geese a-laying, 
    D    E    A
    Five gold rings, 
    D
    Four colly birds, 
    G
    Three French hens, 
    E          A
    Two turtle doves, 
           D        G     A     D
    And a partridge in a pear tree. 
    
           D             
    On the ninth day of Christmas, 
         A                D
    My true love sent to me 
    A
    Nine ladies dancing, 
    A
    Eight maids a-milking, 
    A
    Seven swans a-swimming, 
    A
    Six geese a-laying, 
    D    E    A
    Five gold rings, 
    D
    Four colly birds, 
    G
    Three French hens, 
    E          A
    Two turtle doves, 
           D        G     A     D
    And a partridge in a pear tree.
    
           D             
    On the tenth day of Christmas, 
         A                D
    My true love sent to me 
    A
    Ten lords a-leaping, 
    A
    Nine ladies dancing, 
    A
    Eight maids a-milking, 
    A
    Seven swans a-swimming, 
    A
    Six geese a-laying, 
    D    E    A
    Five gold rings, 
    D
    Four colly birds, 
    G
    Three French hens, 
    E          A
    Two turtle doves, 
           D        G     A     D
    And a partridge in a pear tree. 
    
           D                
    On the eleventh day of Christmas, 
         A                D
    My true love sent to me 
    A
    Eleven pipers piping, 
    A
    Ten lords a-leaping, 
    A
    Nine ladies dancing, 
    A
    Eight maids a-milking, 
    A
    Seven swans a-swimming, 
    A
    Six geese a-laying, 
    D    E    A
    Five gold rings, 
    D
    Four colly birds, 
    G
    Three French hens, 
    E          A
    Two turtle doves, 
           D        G     A     D
    And a partridge in a pear tree.
    
           D               
    On the twelfth day of Christmas, 
         A                D
    My true love sent to me 
    A
    Twelve drummers drumming, 
    A
    Eleven pipers piping, 
    A
    Ten lords a-leaping, 
    A
    Nine ladies dancing, 
    A
    Eight maids a-milking, 
    A
    Seven swans a-swimming, 
    A
    Six geese a-laying, 
    D    E    A
    Five gold rings, 
    D
    Four colly birds, 
    G
    Three French hens, 
    E          A
    Two turtle doves, 
           D        G     A     D
    And a partridge in a pear tree.
    

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    Do You Hear What I Hear?

    Written by: Noël Regney and Gloria Shayne
    1962
    
              A                 G     A      G
    Said the night wind to the little lamb
    A                  G   A   G
    Do you see what I see
    A                  G      A      G
    Way up in the sky little lamb
    A                  G    A
    Do you see what I see
      F#m     F#m    A              A
    A star, a star, dancing in the night 
           D       E        F# 
    With a tail as big as a kite 
           D       E        A     G   A
    With a tail as big as a kite
    
    G         A                   G       A   G
    Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy
    A                   G      A    G
    Do you hear what I hear? 
     A                      G       A     G
    Ringing thru the sky, shepherd boy
     A                  G     A    G
    Do you hear what I hear? 
      F#m     F#m
    A song, a song 
     A              A 
    High above the tree 
            D        E          F#
    With a voice as big as the sea 
            D        E          A    G   A
    With a voice as big as the sea 
    
     G         A                  G      A    G
    Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king 
    A                    G    A   G
    Do you know what I know? 
             A               G      A    G
    In your palace warm ... mighty king 
    A                    G    A   G
    Do you know what I know? 
       F#m      F#m
    A Child, a Child 
      A             A
    Shivers in the cold 
             D        E          F#
    Let us bring Him silver and gold 
             D        E          A   G  A  
    Let us bring Him silver and gold 
    
     G        A                 G      A     G
    Said the king to the people ev'rywhere 
     A                G    A   
    Listen to what I say! 
      G       A               G      A     G
    Pray for peace ... people ev'rywhere 
     A                G    A   G
    Listen to what I say! 
         F#m        F#m
    The Child, the Child 
      A              A
    Sleeping in the night 
              D       E            F#
    He will bring us goodness and light 
              D       E            A
    He will bring us goodness and light
    

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    Good King Wenceslas

    G              Em               
    Good King Wenceslas looked out 
    C      D7        G
    On the feast of Stephen
    G                 Em           
    When the snow lay round about 
    C        D7        G
    deep and crisp and even
    G                  Em 
    Brightly shown the moon that night 
    C          D7         G
    Though the frost was cruel
    G      D        Em      D                
    When a poor man came in sight 
    G         Em     C    C    G
    Gath’ring winter fu - u -  el
    
    
    G              Em              
    "Hither, page, and stand by me,
    C         D7         G
    If thou know'st it, telling,
    G               Em              
    Yonder peasant, who is he?
    C          D7        G
    Where and what his dwelling?"
      G               Em              
    "Sire, he lives a good league hence,
    C     D7        G
    Underneath the mountain;
    G       D         Em      D
    Right against the forest fence,
    G        Em      C   G
    By Saint Agnes' fountain."
    
       G                  Em
    "Bring me flesh, and bring me wine,
      C       D         G
    Bring me pine logs hither:
      G              Em
    Thou and I will see him dine,
      C      D          G
    When we bear them thither."
     G                 Em
    Page and monarch, forth they went,
     C          D      G
    Forth they went together;
       G         D           Em     D
    Through the rude wind's wild lament
    G        Em     C   G
    And the bitter weather.
    
      G                  Em
    "Sire, the night is darker now,
    C        D            G
    And the wind blows stronger;
     G                 Em
    Fails my heart, I know not how,
    C      D     G
    I can go no longer."
     G                  Em
    Mark my footsteps, good my page;
      C        D        G
    Tread thou in them boldly:
      G         D        Em       D
    Thou shalt find the winter's rage
      G         Em        C    G
    Freeze thy blood less coldly."
    
    G                 Em
    In his master's steps he trod,
      C         D       G
    Where the snow lay dinted;
     G               Em
    Heat was in the very sod
      C        D          G
    Which the saint had printed.
      G                   Em
    Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
     C         D       G
    Wealth or rank possessing,
    G       D         Em       D
    Ye who now will bless the poor,
      G       Em           C   G
    Shall yourselves find blessing.
    

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    I Saw Three Ships

    English Traditional Carol (17th century?)
    
    G D G D G Em D G 
    
      G         D          G       D
    I saw three ships come sailing in, 
       G                 D
    on Christmas day, on Christmas day
      G         D          G       D
    I saw three ships come sailing in,
       G         Em         D   G
    on Christmas day in the morning.
    
        G        D        G         D
    And what was in those ships all three,
       G                 D
    on Christmas day, on Christmas day? 
        G        D        G         D
    And what was in those ships all three,
       G         Em         D   G
    on Christmas day in the morning?
    
        G       D           G     D
    Our Savior, Christ, and His Lady,
       G                 D
    on Christmas day, on Christmas day
        G       D           G     D
    Our Savior, Christ, and His Lady, 
       G         Em         D   G
    on Christmas day in the morning.
    
          G       D            G         D
    Pray, whither sailed those ships all three,
       G                 D
    on Christmas day, on Christmas day?
          G       D            G         D
    Pray, whither sailed those ships all three,
       G         Em         D   G
    on Christmas day in the morning?
    
    G       D         G     D
    O, they sailed to Bethlehem, 
       G                 D
    on Christmas day, on Christmas day
    G       D         G     D
    O, they sailed to Bethlehem, 
       G         Em         D   G
    on Christmas day in the morning.
    
        G       D        G           D
    And all the bells on earth shall ring, 
       G                 D
    on Christmas day, on Christmas day
        G       D        G           D
    And all the bells on earth shall ring, 
       G         Em         D   G
    on Christmas day in the morning.
    
        G       D         G            D
    And all the angels in Heaven shall sing,
       G                 D
    on Christmas day, on Christmas day
        G       D         G            D
    And all the angels in Heaven shall sing, 
       G         Em         D   G
    on Christmas day in the morning.
    
         G      D     G          D
    Then let us all rejoice and amen,
       G                 D
    on Christmas day, on Christmas day
         G      D     G      D
    Then let us all rejoice amen,
       G         Em         D   G
    on Christmas day in the morning.
    
        G       D        G           D
    And all the souls on earth shall sing,
       G                 D
    on Christmas day, on Christmas day
        G       D        G           D
    And all the souls on earth shall sing, 
       G         Em         D   G
    on Christmas day in the morning.
    

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    Little Drummer Boy

    G                     C           G
    Come they told me, pa rum pa pum pum
    G                           C          G
    Our newborn King to see, pa rum pa pum pum
    D
    Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pa pum pum
              G                C
    To lay before the King, pa rum pa pum pum,
    G               D
    Rum pa pum pum, rum pa pum pum,
    G                   C          G
    So to honor Him, pa rum pa pum pum,
    D       G
    When we come...
    
    
    G               C          G
    Little Baby, pa rum pa pum pum
    G                       C          G
    I am a poor boy too, pa rum pa pum pum
    D
    I have no gift to bring, pa rum pa pum pum
              G                C
    To lay before the King, pa rum pa pum pum,
    G               D
    Rum pa pum pum, rum pa pum pum,
    G                         C          G
    Shall I play for you, pa rum pa pum pum,
    D     G
    On my drum?...
    
    
    G                C         G
    Mary nodded, pa rum pa pum pum
    G                             C          G
    The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pa pum pum
    D
    I played my drums for Him, pa rum pa pum pum
                G                 C
    I played my best for Him, pa rum pa pum pum
    G               D
    Rum pa pum pum, rum pa pum pum
    G                         C         G
    Then He smiled at me, pa rum pa pum pum
    D         G
    Me and my drum...
    

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  • Secular Christmas Songs

    All I Want for Christmas is You

    [Verse 1]
    
       G
    I don't want  lot for Christmas.
    G/B
    There is just on thing I need.
    C                                
    I don't care about the presents, 
    Cm/Eb
    underneath the Christmas tree.
    G/D                    B7
    I just want you for my own, 
    Em                       Cm/Eb
    more than you could ever know.
    G/D                 E7   
     Make my wish come true, 
     Am               D
    all I want for Christmas
        G (Rapid) Em (Rapid) C (Rapid) D
    Is you
    
    
    [Chorus]
    
    G
    I don't want a lot for Christmas, 
    G
    there is just one thing I need
    C
        Don't care about the presents
    Cm/Eb
    Underneath the christmas tree
    G
    I don't need to hang my stocking 
    G
    there upon the fireplace
    C                               
    Santa claus won't make me happy 
     C             Cm/Eb
    with a toy on Christmas Day
    G                      B7
    I just want you for my own
    Em                       Cm/Eb
    more than you could ever know
    G/D                 E
    Make my wish come true
    Am                 D        
    All I want for Christmas is 
    G (Rapid)   Em (Rapid)
    you
    
    Am / / /  D / / /
    You      baby
    
    
    [Verse 2]
    
    B7              B7       
           All the lights are shining 
         Em            Em
    so brightly everywhere
    B7                       B7  
          And the sound of children's 
     Em                 Em
    laughter fills the air
    Cm/Eb                   
          And everyone is singing. 
    G/D                  E7
          I hear those sleigh bells ringing
    A9  
    Santa won't you please bring me 
     A9 
    what I really need.  Won't you 
      D9                     D9
    please bring my baby to me?
    
    
    [Chorus]
    
       G               G
    Oh I don't want a lot for Christmas 
      G             G
    this is all I'm asking for
    C                    C            
         I just want to see my baby  
    Cm/Eb                   Cm/Eb
          standing right out-side my door
    G                G          B7
    I just want you for my own, 
     Em                 Cm/Eb
    more than you could ever  know
    G/D                E7
    Make my wish come true
    Cm/A              D     
    All I want for Christmas 
     
        G   / / / Em / / / 
    is you
    Am    D
    Ooh baby
    G                   Em    
    All I want for Christmas 
        Am  / / /  D
    is you        baby
    G
    You!
    
    D G

    Blue Christmas

    Elvis Presley 1957 (Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson)
    
                E       E     
    I'll have a blue Christmas 
         B         B
    without you
               B7     B7     
    I'll be so blue thinking 
      E          E
    about you
        E7         E7       
    Decorations of red on a 
      A               A  A G# G
    green Christmas tree
    F#                 F#       
         Won't be the same dear, 
        B7                   B
    if you're not here with me
    
                       E      E         
    And the when those blue snowflakes 
           B        B
    start falling
                      B7    B7        
    That's when those blue memories 
           E        E
    start calling
               E7        E7      
    You'll be doing all right, 
                 A           A
    with your Christmas of white
        B7           B7    
    But I'll have a blue, 
                      E        B7
    blue-blue-blue Christmas  You'll be 
    
     E7        E7    
    doing al-right, 
                 A           A
    with your Christmas of white
        B7           B7    
    But I'll have a blue, 
                      E 
    blue-blue-blue Christmas
    

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    Carol of the Bells

    Em
    Hark how the bells, 
    D
    Sweet silver bells
    C
    All seem to say, 
    B7
    Throw cares away
    
    Em
    Christmas is here, 
    D
    Bringing good cheer
    C
    To young and old, 
    B7
    Meek and the bold
    
    Em
    Ding dong ding dong, 
    D
    That is their song
    C
    With joyful ring, 
    B7
    All caroling. 
    
    Em
    One seems to hear, 
    D
    Words of good cheer
    C
    From everywhere, 
    B7
    Filling the air
    
    
    [BUILD UP]
    Em
    Oh how they pound,
    C
    Raising the sound
    A7
    O'er hill and dale
    C
    Telling their tale.
    
    
    [BIG FINISH]
    Em
    Gaily they ring
    Em
    While people sing
    C
    Songs of good cheer
    Em
    Christmas is here
    
    B7                   B7      Em                          
    Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas,  (x2)
    
    
    Am             Em
    Din, don...din don
    

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    Deck the Halls

    D                   D
    Deck the halls with boughs of holly, 
    A7          D      D  A  D
    Fa la la la la, la la la la 
    D              D
    Tis the season to be jolly, 
    A7          D      D  A  D
    Fa la la la la, la la la la 
    
    A7             D
    Don we now our gay apparel, 
    D        G         A   E7 A
    Fa la la la la, la la  la la 
    
    D                 D
    Troll the ancient Yuletide carol, 
    G        D         D  A7 D
    Fa la la la la, la la la la 
    
    
    D               D
    See the blazing Yule before us, 
    A7          D      D  A  D
    Fa la la la la, la la la la 
    D                   D
    Strike the harp and join the chorus, 
    A7          D      D  A  D
    Fa la la la la, la la la la 
    
    A7           D
    Follow me in merry measure,
    D        G          A  E7 A
    Fa la la la la, la la  la la 
    D                D
    While I tell the Yuletide treasure, 
    G        D         D  A7 D
    Fa la la la la, la la la la 
    
    
    D            (Bm)
    Fast away the old year passes, 
    A7          D      D  A  D
    Fa la la la la, la la la la 
    D                (Bm)
    Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, 
    A7          D      D  A  D
    Fa la la la la, la la la la 
    
    A7             D
    Sing we joyous all together, 
    D        G         A  E7 A
    Fa la la la la, la la la la 
    
    D               (Bm)
    Heedless of the wind and weather, 
    G        D         D  A7 D
    Fa la la la la, la la la la
    
    G        D         D  A7 D
    Fa la la la la, la la la la
    

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    The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting)

    Mel Torme
    
    Cmaj7      Dm7           Em        Dm  G7
    Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
    C          C7              F    E7
    Jack Frost nipping at your nose
    Am       Fm6          Cmaj7/G       B7/F#
    Yuletide carols being sung    by a choir 
        Emaj7         Fm7     Bb7 EbMaj7
    And folks dressed up like Eskimos
    
    Dm    G7   C       Dm7             Em      Dm G7
    Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
    C        C7             FMaj7  Ab7
    Help to make the season bright
    Am7  Fm7             C/G      B/F#
    Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
         Em      Am      Dm    G7  C     C7
    Will find it hard to sleep to-night
    
    
                   Gm7     C7        Gm7   C7
    They know that Santa's    on his way
                Gm7               C7   
    He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies
           FMaj7   F6
    On his sleigh
              Fm             Bb          EbMaj7 Cm
    And every mother’s child    is gonna spy  
              D7sus    D7                 Dm7  G7
    To see if Reindeer really know how to fly
    
        C      Dm6           Em           Dm  G7
    And so I’m offering this simple phrase
         C  C6   C7            F    E7
    To kids from one to ninety-two
       Am             Fm        Em          A7
    Although its been said many times, many ways
    F     C/G       Dm   G   C
    Merry Christmas     to  you
    

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    Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

    G        Em     Am           D7
    Have yourself a merry little Christmas
    G        Em       Am    D7
    Let your heart be light 
    G        Em      Am               D7     
    From now on, our troubles will be out of 
    B7   E7  A7  D7
    sight
    
    G        Em     Am           D7
    Have yourself a merry little Christmas
    G        Em       Am  D7
    Make the Yuletide gay
    G        Em      Am               B7    
    From now on, our troubles will be miles 
    Em  / / /  G7 / / /
    away 
    
    C                   Bm
    Here were are as in olden days
          Am         D7  Gmaj7
    happy golden days of yore
    Em       F#7              Bm
    Faithful friends who are dear to us
           D         Em      Am  D7
    gather near to us  once more
    
    G           Em       Am          D7
    Through the years we all will be together
    G      Em      Am  D7
    If the Fates allow
    G      Em      Am            D7      Em
    Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
        C               Am           D7        G
    And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.
    

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    Holly Jolly Christmas

    Johnny Marks (c) 1962
           C                        
    Have a holly, jolly Christmas, 
                               G7
    it's the best time of the year,
    G                                   
    I don't know if there'll be snow, 
                        C     G7
    but have a cup of cheer.
    
           C                         
    Have a holly, jolly Christmas, 
                                 G7
    and when you walk down the street,
    G                    
    Say hello to friends you know and 
                  C
    everyone you meet.
    
    F            Em         F                  C
    Hey, ho, the mistletoe, hung where you can see,
    Dm         Am             D7                G
    Somebody's waiting there, kiss her once for me.
    
           C                            
    Have a holly, jolly Christmas and 
        C               G7
    in case you didn't hear,
                         C            
    Oh, by golly, have a holly, jolly 
      D7       G7   C
    Christmas this year.
    

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    Jingle Bell Rock

    Jingle Bell Rock chords
    Bobby Helms 1957 (Joseph Carleton Beal / James Ross Boothe)*
    
    E 
    
    A            Amaj7        A6          A
    Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
                           Bm           E7
    Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
    Bm          E7         Bm         E7
    Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun
    E                  Bm    E7
    Now the jingle hop has begun
    
    A            Amaj7        A6          A
    Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
                          Bm          E7
    Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
    Bm          E7          Bm          E7
    Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square
    Bm     E      A
    In the frosty air
    
           D                     Dm
    What a bright time, it's the right time
       A               A7
    To rock the night away
           B              B7
    Jingle bell time is a swell time
       E  E7           E         E7
    To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh
    
    A        Amaj7         A6           A
    Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
                      F#7
    Jingle around the clock
    D       Dm            B7       Dm
    Mix and mingle in the jingling beat
    Bm         E           A
    That's the jingle bell rock
    
    A            Amaj7        A6          A
    Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
                          Bm          E7
    Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
    Bm          E7          Bm          E7
    Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square
    Bm     E      A
    In the frosty air
    
           D                     Dm
    What a bright time, it's the right time
       A               A7
    To rock the night away
           B              B7
    Jingle bell time is a swell time
       E  E7           E         E7
    To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh
     
    A        Amaj7         A6           A
    Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
                      F#7
    Jingle around the clock
    D       Dm            B7       Dm
    Mix and mingle in the jingling beat
    Bm         E           
    That's the jingle bell 
    Bm         E
    That's the jingle bell
    Bm         E7          A
    That's the jingle bell rock
    

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    It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

    Writer: Meredith Willson (1951)
    
         G                   C        G
    It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas,
         B7        C  E7
    everywhere you go
           Am                   D
    Take a look in the five-and-ten, 
    D7               Am
    glistening once again,
         D               A7            Am   D
    with candy canes and silver lanes aglow
       
           G                 C        G
    It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas,
            B7    C    E7
    toys in every store
            Am                  Am
    But the prettiest sight to see,
           G               E7
    is the holly that will be,
            Am  D7    G
    on your own front door
    
              B7
    A pair of hop along boots and a pistol that shoots
     E7      B7         Em
    Is the wish of Barney and Ben
    D7                            A7
    Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk
           D7      A7         D
    Is the hope of Janice and Jen
        D7              A7              Am               D7
    And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again
    
           G                 C        G
    It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, 
         B7        C  E7
    everywhere you go 
              Am                  D
    There's a tree in the Grand Hotel, 
    D7                 Am
    one in the park as well,
        D                A7               Am   D          
    the sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow
    
    
           G                 C        G
    It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas,
             B7         C    E7
    soon the bells will start
            Am                         Am
    And the thing that will make them ring,
           G              E7
    is the carol that you sing,
              Am D7   G
    right within your heart
    

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    Let It Snow

            A          E7      A        
    Oh, the weather outside is frightful,    
            E       B7   E 
    But the fire is so delightful, 
         D                      E 
    And since we've no place to go, 
           E7                         A 
    Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
    
     
       A            E7       A         
    It doesn't show signs of stopping, 
          E            B7       E 
    And I brought some corn for popping. 
         D                          E 
    The lights are turned way down low, 
           E7                        A 
    Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow 
    
    
            E 
    When we finally kiss good night,    
              A         B7          E 
    How I'll hate going out in the storm. 
            E 
    But if you really hold me tight, 
    A            B7          E 
    All the way home I'll be warm. 
    
    
        A       E7     A    
    The fire is slowly dying, 
            E           B7        E 
    And, my dear, we're still goodbye-ing, 
            D                   E 
    But as long as you love me so. 
           E7                         A 
    Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
    

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    Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

    ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE
    (J. Marks)
    
    [Intro]
    A     F#m    D   E
    
    A                     A                  
    Rocking around the Christmas tree at the 
      E              E
    Christmas party hop
    E                     E                
    Mistletoe hung where you can see every 
    E                 A
    couple tries to stop
    A                                     
    Rocking around the Christmas tree, 
               E
    let the Christmas spirit ring
    E                                           
    Later we'll have some pumpkin pie and we'll 
                 A
    do some caroling
    
    D                          
    You will get a sentimental 
    C#m
    feeling when you hear
    F#m                            
    Voices singing let's be jolly, 
      B                   E
    deck the halls with boughs of holly
    A                                  
    Rocking around the Christmas tree, 
            E
    have a happy holiday
    E                               
    Everyone dancing merrily in the 
                       A 
    new old-fashioned way
    
    D                          
    You will get a sentimental 
    C#m
    feeling when you hear
    F#m                            
    Voices singing let's be jolly, 
      B                   E
    deck the halls with boughs of holly
    A                                  
    Rocking around the Christmas tree, 
            E
    have a happy holiday
    E                               
    Everyone dancing merrily in the 
                       A 
    new old-fashioned way
    E                               
    Everyone dancing merrily in the 
    E      E    E             A   D A
    new   old - fa - shioned way

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    Silver Bells

    A
    City sidewalks, busy sidewalks 
               D
    Dressed in Holiday style 
    E                               A
    In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
    A
    Children laughing, people passing 
          D
    Meeting smile after smile 
    E                             A
    And on every street corner you hear
    
    A             D
    Silver bells, silver bells 
    E                          A
    It's Christmas-time in the city 
    A             D
    Ring-a-ling, hear them ring 
    E                         A
    Soon it will be Christmas day
     
    
    A
    Strings of street lights, even stop lights 
            D
    Blink a bright red and green 
    E                                    A
    As the shoppers run home with their treasures 
    A 
    Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch 
             D
    This is Santa's big scene 
    E                            A
    And above all the bustle you hear... 
    
    A              D
    Silver bells, silver bells 
    E                         A
    It's Christmas-time in the city 
    A             D
    Ring-a-ling, hear them ring 
    E                         A
    Soon it will be Christmas day
    

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    Sleigh Ride

    [Verse 1]
                     D            Bm        
    Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, 
    Em         A        D    Bm  Em      A 
    ring ting tingling too          Come on, it's 
    D      Bm             Em            A           
    lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with 
    D     Bm    F      Em
    you,           Outside the 
    D        Bm          Em          A         
    snow is falling and friends are calling 
         D     Bm   Em      A
    "Yoohoo,"          Come on, it's 
     D      Bm            Em            A          
    lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with 
     D         D
    you.  
    
    
    [Chorus 1]
          G#m                 C#7          
    Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up,let's go,  
    F#                    D#m7
       Let's look at the show,
    G#m7                  C#7          
        We're riding in a wonderland of 
      F#      F#6
    snow.
          F#m7                B7             
    Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up,it's grand, 
    E                     E6
       Just holding your hand,
    Asus4              Asus4                 
        We're gliding along with a song in a 
    Asus4         A7 
    wintry fairy land.
    
    
    [Verse 2]
                   D        Bm       Em    A        
    Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are 
    D    Bm   Em          A 
    we            We're snuggled 
    D    Bm          Em         A               
    up together like birds of a feather would 
    D  Bm   F         Em
    be          Let's take that 
    D      Bm          Em     A          
    road before us and sing a chorus or 
    D   Bm  Em       A7
    two         Come on, it's
    D      Bm            Em            A7          
    lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with 
    D        D
    you.
    
    
    [Chorus 2—punchy]
              D69                                
    There's a birthday party at the home of 
    D68    Dmaj7
    Farmer Gray
          Dmaj7                           D6 
    It'll be the perfect ending a perfect day
             D#ø                  Em7     Db7/F    
    We'll be singing the songs we love to sing 
        F#m   F#7     Bm
    without a single stop,
            F#       Gm7      G#m7       C#        
    At the fireplace while we watch the chestnuts 
    F# 
    pop. 
    Asus4      A 
    Pop! pop! pop!  
            
              D69                           
    There's a happy feeling nothing in the 
    D68     Dmaj7
    world can buy,
              Dmaj7                                
    When they pass around the chocolate and the 
     Dmaj7   D6
    pumpkin pie
          D#ø              Em7     Db7/F    
    It'll nearly be like a picture print by 
    F#m   F#7     Bm   Db7/F
    Curri-er  and Ives
    Em7                  Em7                      
         These wonderful things are the things we 
      Asus4                   A7
    remember all through our lives!
    
    
    [Verse 1 again]
                    D            Bm        
    Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, 
    Em         A        D    Bm  Em      A 
    ring ting tingling too          Come on, it's 
    D      Bm            Em            A           
    lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with 
    D     Bm    F      Em
    you,           Outside the 
    D       Bm          Em          A         
    snow is falling and friends are calling 
         D     Bm   Em      A
    "Yoohoo,"          Come on, it's 
    D      Bm            Em            A          
    lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with 
     D         D
    you.  
    

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    We Wish You A Merry Christmas

        G                  C
    We wish you a Merry Christmas..
       A                D
    We wish you a Merry Christmas..
       B7                  C               
    We wish you a Merry Christmas and a 
    Am      D   G
    Hap-py New Year.
    
          G           D        
    Good tidings we bring to 
    Am             D
    you and your kin..
          G             D 
    Good tidings for Christmas and a 
    C      D    G
    Hap-py New Year. 
    
           G               C
    Now, bring us a figgy pudding..
          A               D
    Oh, bring us a figgy pudding..
          B7              C            
    Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a 
     Am     D     G
    cup of good cheer.
    
        G                 C
    We won't go until we get some..
        A                 D
    We won't go until we get some..
       B7                 C     
    We won't go until we get some, so, 
      Am        D     G
    bring some right here.
    
          G           D        
    Good tidings we bring to 
    Am             D
    you and your kin..
          G             D 
    Good tidings for Christmas and a 
    C      D    G
    Hap-py New Year. 
    
        G                  C
    We wish you a Merry Christmas..
       A                D
    We wish you a Merry Christmas..
       B7                  C               
    We wish you a Merry Christmas and a 
    Am      D   G
    Hap-py New Year.
    
       B7                  C               
    We wish you a Merry Christmas and a 
    Am      D   G
    Hap-py New Year.

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    White Christmas

    A                   D     D#   E    
    I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,
    D             E               A    
    Just like the ones I used to know.
    E           A         A7
    Where the tree tops glisten,
    D             Dm
    And Children listen,
    A             D                  Bm   E7
    To hear the sleigh bells in the snow.
    
    
    A                   D     D#   E    
    I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,
    D             E             A    
    With every Christmas card I write.
    D         A        A7        D                 
    May your dreams be merry and bright,
            A           D      E      A
    And may all your Christmas‘s be white.
    

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    Winter Wonderland

                 C             
    Sleigh bells ring are you listening
           G             
    In the lane snow is glistening
      G7         
    A beautiful sight we're happy tonight
    D7             G            C
    Walking in a Winter Wonderland
    
         C             
    Gone away is the blue bird
             G            
    Here to stay is the new bird
        G7           
    It sings a love song as we go along
    D7            G            C
    Walking in a Winter Wonderland
    
    E             A              E
    In the meadow we can build a snowman
    E                A            E
    Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
    G                  C                G 
    He'll say Are you married We'll say No man
        A7             D7                 G7
    But you can do the job when you're in town
    
        
          C
    Later on we'll conspire
          G
    As we dream by the fire
       G7       
    To face unafraid the plans that we made
    D7            G            C
    Walking in a Winter Wonderland
    
    E             A              E
    In the meadow we can build a snowman
    E                A            E
    And pretend that he’s a circus clown
    G                  C                G 
    We’ll have lots of fun with Mr. Snowman
       A7            D7             G7 
    Until the other kids knock him down
    
             C
    When it snows ain’t it thrilling 
                G7
    Though your nose gets a chilling
           G7
    We’ll frolic and play the Eskimo way
    D7            G7           C
    Walking in a Winter Wonderland
    

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    New Years Songs

    Auld Lang Syne

    Scottish poem by Robert Burns (1788)
    (means "days of old long since")
    
    
           D                A7
    Should old acquaintance be forgot
        D                G
    And never brought to mind
           D                A7
    Should old acquaintance be forgot
         G       A         D
    And days of auld lang syne
    
    
         D        A7
    For auld lang syne, my dear,
        D         G
    For auld lang syne,
           D            A7
    We'll take a cup o'kindness yet
         G      A         D
    And days of auld lang syne
    

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    Thanksgiving Songs

    Over the River and Through the Woods

    Over The River And Through The Woods chords
    Danny Kaye & Lydia Maria Child (poem 1844)
    
    THANKSGIVING VERSE
    A                     A
    Over the river and through the woods
         D                     A
    To Grandmother's house we go.
         E7                     A
    The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
             B7                E7   
    Through white and drifted snow.
    A                     A 
    Over the river and through the woods,
         D                  A
    Oh, how the wind does blow.
         D                  A
    It stings the toes and bites the nose
        E7                 A
    As over the ground we go.
    
    
    CHRISTMAS VERSE
    
    A                     A
    Over the river and through the woods
        D                  A
    To have   a day   of play.
     E7                      A
    Hear the bells ringing, ting-a-ling-ling,
        B7              E7
    For it   is Christ-mas Day.
    A                     A
    Over the river and through the woods,
          D              A
    Trot fast my dapple gray;
           D                     A
    Spring o'er the ground just like a hound,
        E                  A
    For this is Christmas Day.
    A                     A
    Over the river and through the woods
           D                           A
    And straight through the barnyard gate.
       E7                   A
    It seems   we go   so dreadfully slow;
    B7               E7
    It’s so hard to wait.
    A
    Over the river and through the woods,
      D               A
    Grandmother's cap I spy.
       D                 A
    Hurrah for fun, the pudding's done,
       E7                   A
    Hurrah for the pumpkin pie.
    
    * Alternate tuning:
    
    Guitar Capo II
    
    A  = G
    D  = C
    E7 = D7
    B7 = A7
    E  = D
    
    

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