Drive The Cold Winter Away - A traditional winter song that has been used for both secular winter and Christmas, with a large number of verses and variations; also known by the titles "In Praise of Christmas" and "All Hail To the Days". Some versions of it appear to go back to at least the year 1625, and the melody was originally based on the even older tune of "When Phoebus Did Rest". Published versions of it dating back to at least the 17th Century can be found in the archives of both the Pepys Collection and the Roxburghe Collection. The lyrics appear to have evolved somewhat over the years, but many of the lyrics are attributed to Tom Durfey (1653-1723), or "Anonymous" by others. See Mudcat. Played by The Rose Ensemble. SheetMusic.
All hail to the days that merit more praise
Than all the rest of the year,
And welcome the nights that double delights
As well for the poor as the peer!
Good fortune attend each merry man's friend,
That doth but the best that he may;
Forgetting old wrongs, with carols and songs,
To drive the cold winter away.
'Tis ill for a mind to anger inclined
To think of small injuries now;
If wrath be to seek do not lend her thy cheek
Nor let her inhabit thy brow.
Cross out of thy books malevolent looks,
Both beauty and youth's decay,
And wholly consort with mirth and with sport
To drive the cold winter away.
This time of the year is spent in good cheer,
And neighbours together do meet
To sit by the fire, with friendly desire,
Each other in love to greet;
Old grudges forgot are put in the pot,
All sorrows aside they lay;
The old and the young doth carol this song
To drive the cold winter away.