We Wish You a Merry Christmas – Lyrics, Chords and History

Every December, the opening notes of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” signal the start of holiday celebrations. This traditional English carol has been sung for centuries, yet its exact origins remain a mystery. While its lyrics are widely known, many people also search for the chords, piano notes, and different recorded versions to play or sing along.

The carol’s enduring popularity stems from its simple melody and cheerful message of good tidings. It also contains a playful demand for figgy pudding, a line that often surprises first‑time listeners. This article brings together the lyrics, musical notations, historical background, and notable recordings in one place.

What Are the Lyrics to We Wish You a Merry Christmas?

Title – We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Type – Traditional English Christmas carol

Origin – 16th‑century West Country, England

Key Lyric – “Good tidings we bring to you and your kin”

The carol is most searched for its lyrics, followed by chords and piano tutorials.
The ‘Super Simple Songs’ version is the dominant children’s video on YouTube.
No known composer – the carol is considered traditional with anonymous origins.
Figgy pudding (a dessert) is a memorable highlight of the lyrics.
The carol’s repetitive structure makes it easy for children to learn.
Multiple YouTube tutorials exist for different skill levels, from absolute beginner to intermediate.

Key Fact	Details
Roud Folk Song Index numbers	230 and 9681
Traditional origin	English West Country (Devon/Cornwall)
First printed	19th century
Lyrics mention figgy pudding	Yes, in the demanding verse
Common key for guitar/piano	G major
Typical piano keys for tutorials	C major and F major
Wassailing tradition	Carolers went door‑to‑door demanding treats
One of few carols with figgy pudding	Distinctive, often referenced in popular culture

The standard lyrics are consistent across multiple sources, including the Skoove tutorial and KidsPlayMusic. The full version includes a chorus, a verse about good tidings, a demand for figgy pudding, and a final insistence that the carolers will not leave until they receive some.

The lyrics run as follows:

We wish you a Merry Christmas,
We wish you a Merry Christmas,
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Good tidings we bring to you and your kin,
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding,
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding,
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer!

We won’t go until we get some,
We won’t go until we get some,
We won’t go until we get some, so bring some out here!

We wish you a Merry Christmas… (repeat chorus)

How to Play We Wish You a Merry Christmas on Piano? (Chords and Sheet Music)

Piano Chords in C Major

The simplest arrangement uses just three chords: C (C‑E‑G), F (F‑A‑C), and G (G‑B‑D). The progression for the first lines is | C | C | F | C | G | C |. This version is ideal for beginners because it keeps the right hand within a five‑finger position starting on middle C. The Skoove tutorial provides a step‑by‑step breakdown of the finger positions.

Piano Chords in F Major

A more standard version uses chords F, Bb, Gm, C, Am, and Dm. An example progression is F | Bb | Gm | C | Am | Dm. The Piano‑Keyboard‑Guide offers three video tutorials: melody only, melody with simple left hand, and full chords with inversions.

Sheet Music in G Major

The G Major Music Theory PDF presents the carol in G major with chords G, C, Am, and D7. The progression follows | G | G | C | G | D7 | G |. This key is often recommended for guitarists and singers.

Beginner Finger Position Tip

For the C major version, keep your right hand on the five white keys C‑D‑E‑F‑G. The thumb (1) plays C, index (2) plays D, middle (3) plays E, ring (4) plays F, and little finger (5) plays G. This avoids shifting positions while you learn the melody.

Letter Notes for the Right Hand (F Major)

From the Piano‑Keyboard‑Guide tutorial, the right‑hand melody notes for the first verse are:

C F F G F E D D (We wish you a Merry Christmas)
D G G A G F E C (We wish you a Merry Christmas)
C A A Bb A G F D (We wish you a Merry Christmas)
F Bb G C A D Bb C F (and a Happy New Year)

What Are the Best Versions of We Wish You a Merry Christmas? (Super Simple Songs, Original & Book)

Super Simple Songs – Children’s Video

The most popular children’s rendition on YouTube is from the Super Simple Songs channel. It features simple animations, a slow tempo, and clear singing, making it a favourite for preschoolers. The arrangement uses only the most basic chords, matching the style of KidsPlayMusic’s one‑hand notes.

Original Recordings

Because the carol is traditional, there is no single “original” recording. Early 20th‑century recordings by choirs and artists such as Bing Crosby helped standardise the melody. The earliest printed versions date from the 1850s‑1880s, but no known recordings survive from that period.

Illustrated Books

Several children’s books present the lyrics with accompanying pictures. Super Simple Songs has published a board book, and other illustrated editions are sold each holiday season. These books often include the full lyrics and sometimes a simple musical score.

Figgy Pudding Explained

Figgy pudding is a rich, boiled dessert made with figs, dried fruit, and spices, similar to a steamed pudding. It was a traditional Christmas treat in England. The carol’s demand for it reflects the wassailing custom where carolers expected food and drink in exchange for their songs. The carol’s demand for figgy pudding reflects the wassailing custom, a tradition explored further in our muscle fit t-shirts guide.

Timeline of the Carol

c. 1500s – Oral tradition begins in England’s West Country as part of wassailing celebrations.
1850s–1880s – First known printed versions of the lyrics appear in songbooks.
Early 1900s – Standardized lyrics become widely sung across English‑speaking countries.
1960s–present – Countless recordings are released, including children’s adaptations, instrumental versions, and classical arrangements.
2010s – The “Super Simple Songs” video becomes the dominant children’s version on YouTube, with hundreds of millions of views.

What We Know and What Remains Uncertain About ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’

Established Information	Information That Remains Unclear
The carol is English and dates back at least to the 16th century.	The original composer is unknown – no single author can be attributed.
It is cataloged in the Roud Folk Song Index (#230 and #9681).	The exact year of creation is unknown; estimates range from the 1500s to the 1700s.
The lyrics have existed in their current form since the 19th century.	Regional variations in lyrics existed before standardization.
It is one of the few traditional carols that explicitly mention figgy pudding.	No original recording exists from the carol’s earliest days.

Why ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ Endures

The carol’s simple, repetitive structure makes it easy for children to learn. Its demand for figgy pudding adds playful humor that distinguishes it from more solemn carols. It has become a staple of Christmas celebrations, especially in English‑speaking countries, and its open‑source nature allows countless adaptations across genres and media. Each year, new children’s books, animated videos, and sheet music editions appear, ensuring the carol remains fresh for new generations.

Sources and Quotations

“It is listed as numbers 230 and 9681 in the Roud Folk Song Index.”

– Wikipedia, ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’

“Good tidings we bring to you and your kin, We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”

– Words for Life (literacy charity)

For cross‑reference, the carol’s history is documented on Wikipedia, and the lyrics are available from Words for Life. The Roud Folk Song Index provides further scholarly cataloging. Basic music theory resources can be found at MusicTheory.net.

What’s Next for This Topic

The carol will continue to be performed and remixed each holiday season. New children’s books, animated videos, and sheet music editions are released yearly. Users may also explore related carols such as “Jingle Bells” or “Deck the Halls”. For more on British festive culture, see the Bank Holidays 2024 UK guide or the latest Great British Bake Off: Cast News, Seasons, Where to Watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ book?

Yes, several illustrated children’s books present the lyrics with pictures, such as the version by Super Simple Songs or traditional picture books.

What is the original recording of ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’?

Because the carol is traditional, there is no single original recording. Early 20th‑century recordings by choirs and artists like Bing Crosby helped popularize it.

What is the meaning of ‘figgy pudding’ in the song?

Figgy pudding is a traditional English Christmas dessert made with figs, dried fruit, and spices, similar to a steamed pudding.

Who composed ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’?

The composer is unknown. The carol is considered traditional, passed down orally before being printed in the 19th century.

What key is easiest for beginners on piano?

The C major version is easiest because it uses only white keys and three simple chords (C, F, G).

Where can I find free sheet music for this carol?

Free solo piano sheet music in C major is available on MuseScore. The G Major Music Theory PDF also provides a printable version.

Is there a link between this carol and wassailing?

Yes. The carol originated from the wassailing tradition, where groups visited houses singing for food and drink, especially figgy pudding.

Why do the carolers say “we won’t go until we get some”?

This line reflects the playful persistence of wassailers who expected a treat in exchange for their good wishes.

What are the Roud Folk Song Index numbers for this carol?

The carol is listed as numbers 230 and 9681 in the Roud Index.