Ding Dong Merrily on High

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"Ding Dong Merrily on High" is a secular dance tune that evolved into a Christmas song. The tune first appeared as Bransle l'Officiale in the Orchesographie, a dance book written by Jehan Tabourot (1519-1593). The lyric was composed early in the 20th century by George Ratcliffe Woodward (1848-1934), the author of several carol books.

The lyrics are as follows:

Ding dong merrily on high,
In heav'n the bells are ringing.
Ding dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with angel singing.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

E'en so here below, below,
Let steeple bells be swungen,
And "Io, io, io!"
By priest and people sungen.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers;
May you beautifully rime
Your evetime song, ye singers.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

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