Old English translations usually go in the other direction, so I am not used to seeing this, and am used to seeing the older form in alliterative verse. This has a feeling of being overliteral, very one-to-one from a dictionary, but I have no expertise in such things. I certainly would not try to offer a better version.
It is sung in that deep, ragged tone that everyone seems to want to use for Anglo-Saxons. For the ancient Irish, people want to go high and ethereal.
And I loved the refrain. I would keep it even if it proves to not be authentic.
Thank you for sharing this! The comments by the arranger (or whatever you call someone who does things like this) are interesting. I think we tend to make Christmas carols light, cheerful and bouncy, when in fact they would be better in this more somber, serious tone.
ReplyDeleteOh man. Keep listening for the next few days at least.
ReplyDeleteI Heard the Bells on Christmas Day?
ReplyDeleteGreat Choice. Will add
ReplyDelete