It’s hard not to love G. K. Chesterton, with his great wit and incredible one-liners. But did you know he wrote the lyrics for a Christmas carol?
He actually wrote a poem with the name “A Christmas Carol” (did you know he wrote poems?!), and people have put the words to music.
[See also: 19 of the Most Refreshingly Commonsensical G.K. Chesterton Quotes]
Here’s just one example of his poem set to music, as sung by children:
Here’s an instrumental version of the tune if you want to sing along.
There are also a few videos of people simply reciting the poem (here, here, here, and here).
[See also: G. K Chesterton on Christmas: 6 Quotes & a Poem]
And here is the full text of the poem:
The Christ-child lay on Mary’s lap,
His hair was like a light.
(O weary, weary were the world,
But here is all alright.)
The Christ-child lay on Mary’s breast
His hair was like a star.
(O stern and cunning are the kings,
But here the true hearts are.
The Christ-child lay on Mary’s heart,
His hair was like a fire.
(O weary, weary is the world,
But here the world’s desire.)
The Christ-child stood on Mary’s knee,
His hair was like a crown,
And all the flowers looked up at Him,
And all the stars looked down.