- M. Ryan Taylor | SATB Choir and Piano on Choirworks (includes medium voice solo version as well)
- Coming soon to J.W. Pepper, Sheet Music Plus, Sheet Music Direct.
A Carol for the Boy is a lilting, warmly expressive Christmas carol with an Alpine-inspired character. Set in a gentle triple meter (3/4) at a moderate tempo (quarter note = approximately 108), the piece has a flowing, almost rocking quality that evokes the tradition of a Christmas lullaby. Its melodic character is both lyrical and inviting, giving the music an appealing folk-carol quality.
The piano establishes the atmosphere with a gently rolling accompaniment, alternating between sustained harmonies and more animated rhythmic figures. The SATB writing balances warm, full-voiced choral harmonies with moments of rhythmic energy and forward motion.
The text moves beyond the familiar imagery of the Nativity to explore the meaning of Christ’s coming: healing, renewal, generosity, compassion, and the hope of a better world. In the central section, two complementary streams of text are woven together, creating an especially engaging musical and dramatic moment. One reflects on Christ’s promise of healing and spiritual renewal; the other invites listeners to worship at the cradle and consider the practical expression of faith through charity and sacrifice. Performers should aim for a balance of gentle lilt and joyful conviction.
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Lyrics
In the winter or the summer,
In the fall or in the spring,
May my heart be ever joyful
With the angel’s tidings:
Peace on earth, good-will, salvation,
All the nations will enjoy
When they join their gladsome voices
In a carol for the Boy.
For he shall bind the wounds that tear our hearts
As if they were once new;
And hope will flow in living waters
Where we’ll savor all that’s true.
For he has said, come buy of me
Without your money, without price;
A broken and a contrite heart,
Our only humble sacrifice.
In the winter or the summer,
In the fall or in the spring,
May my heart be ever joyful
With the angel’s tidings:
Peace on earth, good-will, salvation,
All the nations will enjoy
When they join their gladsome voices
In a carol for the Boy.
So come and worship at the cradle
On this joyful Christmas day;
Renewing hope and faith in us,
The charity for which we pray.
Remembering all his sacrifice
To lift the poor and burdened soul,
We join our hands and give our all
To help the human race be whole.
In the winter or the summer,
In the fall or in the spring,
May my heart be ever joyful
With the angel’s tidings:
Peace on earth, good-will, salvation,
All the nations will enjoy
When they join their gladsome voices
In a carol, in a carol, in a carol for the Boy.
One important distinction: Although the subtitle suggests an Alpine Christmas tradition, this is an original composition rather than an arrangement of a traditional Alpine folk carol. Its musical character draws on the gentle, lilting qualities associated with that tradition.
Share Your Performance
I would love to hear your choir perform this piece! Please consider sending me a recording, photos, a copy of your program, or a link to your performance at ryan@choirworks.com.
With your permission, I may share selected recordings, photos, or performance information through Choirworks’ website and social media to help introduce your ensemble to other singers and conductors—and to help other choirs discover this piece. Thank you for giving this work a life beyond the page!