In The Bleak Midwinter Lyrics
In the Bleak Midwinter Lyrics
“In the Bleak Midwinter” lyrics are the words of a Christmas carol that reflect the solemnity and contemplative mood of the winter season, emphasizing the stark beauty of the midwinter landscape.
The lyrics poetically describe the humble and serene setting of the nativity, capturing the essence of the Christmas story.
Find the lyrics to “In The Bleak Midwinter” below.
In the Bleak Midwinter Lyrics
1 In the bleak midwinter frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone: snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago. 2 Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign: in the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ. 3 Enough for him whom cherubim worship night and day, a breastful of milk and a mangerful of hay: enough for him whom angels fall down before, the ox and ass and camel which adore. 4 Angels and archangels may have gathered there, cherubim and seraphim thronged the air, but only his mother, in her maiden bliss, worshiped the Beloved with a kiss. 5 What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb, if I were a wise man I would do my part, yet what I can I give him, give my heart.
Who Wrote the In the Bleak Midwinter Lyrics?
The lyrics “In the Bleak Midwinter” were written by English poet Christina Rossetti (1830–1894) and have gained popularity as a Christmas carol.
Originally published in the January 1872 issue of Scribner’s Monthly under the title “A Christmas Carol,” Thereafter, it was included in the book Goblin Market, The Prince’s Progress, and Other Poems (Macmillan, 1875).
Life of the Author: Christina Rossetti
Christina Rossetti was an English poet and writer known for her lyrical and emotional poetry.
She was born on December 5, 1830, in London, England, into a family of artists and intellectuals.
Christina was the youngest of four siblings, and her family had a significant influence on her artistic development.
Rossetti received her education at home, where her mother and father introduced her to religious texts, fairy tales, classical literature, and novels.
She found great joy in the works of poets such as Ann Radcliffe, Keats, Scott, and Matthew Lewis.
The literary influence of Italian writers like Dante Alighieri and Petrarch permeated her household and played a significant role in shaping her writing style in later years.
Rossetti’s poetry often explored themes of love, faith, death, and spirituality.
Her work reflected her deep religious convictions as well as her experiences with personal struggles and heartache.
Many of her poems also showcased her keen observation of nature and her ability to convey complex emotions through vivid and evocative imagery.
Some of Rossetti’s most well-known poems include “Goblin Market,” “In the Bleak Midwinter,” “Remember,” and “A Birthday.”
Her writing style was marked by its musicality, with a strong sense of rhythm and rhyme.
Rossetti’s poems were characterized by their introspective tone, exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption.
In addition to her poetry, Rossetti also wrote prose works, including stories and devotional writings.
She published several collections of her poetry during her lifetime, including “Goblin Market and Other Poems” in 1862 and “The Prince’s Progress and Other Poems” in 1866.
Christina Rossetti’s poetry gained recognition and admiration during the Victorian era and continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty.
Later Life
In her later years, Rossetti experienced health challenges related to Graves’ disease, a form of hyperthyroidism diagnosed in 1872.
She endured a severe and life-threatening episode in the early 1870s due to this condition.
In 1893, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and although the tumor was initially removed, there was a recurrence in September 1894.
Tragically, Christina Rossetti passed away on December 29, 1894, after enduring significant pain and suffering caused by cancer.
She was laid to rest on January 2, 1895, in the family grave located on the western side of Highgate Cemetery.
It is worth noting that this particular grave gained notoriety as it was opened in October 1869 so that Rossetti’s brother, Gabriel, could retrieve a volume of poems buried alongside her.
However, Her works have had a lasting impact on English literature and have inspired countless readers and writers over the years.
Music to the In the Bleak Midwinter lyrics
In 1906, composer Gustav Holst set Rossetti’s words to music, titled “Cranham,” which became part of The English Hymnal and is now sung worldwide.
Another well-known musical adaptation of the poem is an anthem composed by Harold Darke in 1909, widely performed by choirs.
In fact, it was voted the best Christmas carol in a 2008 poll conducted among esteemed choirmasters and choral experts.
Final Note
The lyrics of “In the Bleak Midwinter” revolve around the stark beauty of winter, the humility of Christ’s birth, the simplicity of offerings, the tender love of a mother, and the personal devotion of the speaker.
The carol poetically describes the humble and serene setting of the nativity, capturing the essence of the Christmas story.
The imagery in the opening stanza conveys the harshness of winter, depicting a frozen landscape with snow-covered ground and a cold, moaning wind.
The second stanza reflects on the humble setting of the nativity, emphasizing that neither heaven nor earth can contain or sustain God.
The reference to the stable and manger highlights the simplicity of Christ’s birth.
The third stanza continues the theme of humility, emphasizing that what is offered to the newborn Christ is modest—a breastful of milk and a mangerful of hay.
It underscores the idea that even simple offerings are sufficient in the presence of divine love.
The fourth stanza focuses on the intimate moment between Mary and the infant Jesus.
It highlights the unique and profound love of a mother for her child, portraying Mary’s worship of her son with a kiss.
The final stanza turns introspective, contemplating what the speaker can offer the newborn Jesus.
It conveys a sense of personal inadequacy in comparison to grander offerings but expresses a willingness to give one’s heart in devotion and love.
More Timeless Hymn Lyrics
Joy to the World Lyrics.
O Come All Ye Faithful Lyrics.
Shall We Gather at the River Lyrics.
O God, Our Help in Ages Past Lyrics.
Angels From the Realms of Glory Lyrics.
The Hymn Alleluia Sing to Jesus Lyrics.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Lyrics.
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Lyrics.
The Lyrics to ‘Once in Royal David’s City.
The The Lyrics Of The Mighty God While Angels Bless Thee.
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