Yule Be Blue Lyrics:

Yule Be Blue Christmas Album  |   Lyrics   |  Production Notes   | 



YULE BE BLUE CHRISTMAS ALBUM  / 2008 /

01 Gimme Little Joy
02 Blue Christmas
03 Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
04 O Come All Ye Faithful
05 Down In Yon Forest
06 I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
07 Please Come Home for Christmas
08 I Wonder As I Wander
09 O Little Town Of Bethlehem
10 Early On One Christmas Morn
11 Great Is Thy Faithfulness
12  Silent Night

1.  Blue Christmas  

Notes: I love this song.  This was the first take.  I wrote the ending Vegas style and in an Elvis spirit.
Oh Mercy.  It was easy to relate to as I didn't spend Christmas with my honey.  This was the first take, 
and I am not certain if I am singing the intro as ‘Mule be blue’ or ‘Yule be blue’.  This is where the title 
of the record came from.

You'll be doin' all right, with your Christmas of white But I'll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas

I'll have a blue Christmas without you; I'll be so blue thinking about you. 
Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree won't mean a thing if you're not here with me 
and the when those blue snowflakes start fallin' That's when those blue memories start callin'
You'll be doin' all right, with your Christmas of white But I'll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas

I'll have a blue Christmas for certain; that’s where the blue heartache starts hurting. 
Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree Won't mean a thing if you're not here with me 
And the when those blue snowflakes start fallin' That's when those blue memories start callin'
You'll be doin' all right, with your Christmas of white But I'll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas
     
Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree Won't mean a thing if you're not here with me 
And the when those blue snowflakes start fallin'  That's when those blue memories start callin'
You'll be doin' all right, with your Christmas of white But I'll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas

It’s going to be bad, it’s going to be blue, with out you.

2. A Little Joy (C.D.Knox)
 

Notes:  I wrote this the Sunday before we went into the Studio.  I was trying to divide my time between writing a paper for my masters and doing charts for the recording.  I had planned on only doing 6 songs, but I got a bit over zealous while doing the charts.  I was actually thinking about Joy to the World when I wrote this.  I wanted something new and fresh and out came this song.  It took about a half hour to write, as if it was a gift handed down from above.  I checked the content for biblical accuracy.  The song was too long so Herod and Rachel were fired - verse 4.  

Gimme little joy Gimme little joy Gimme little joy for the little baby boy
Gimme little joy for the little baby boy the boy born in Bethlehem

Isaiah was foretold how the story would unfold about the boy born in Bethlehem
Every word of it came true at the moment it was due for that little boy born in Bethlehem

Gimme little joy Gimme little joy Gimme little joy for the little baby boy
Gimme little joy for the little baby boy the boy born in Bethlehem

Angels said to Joe don’t you leave your lady so there is a little boy born in Bethlehem
The virgin bore a son who is the only righteous one the little boy born in Bethlehem

Gimme little joy Gimme little joy Gimme little joy for the little baby boy
Gimme little joy for the little baby boy the boy born in Bethlehem

Sheppard’s in the night they were drawn to the light of that little boy born in Bethlehem
Brought him Frankincense and Myrrh because he is the only cure oh that little boy born in Bethlehem

Gimme little joy Gimme little joy Gimme little joy for the little baby boy
Gimme little joy for the little baby boy the boy born in Bethlehem

Herod got disturbed on account of what he heard of that little boy born in Bethlehem
Rachel shed a tear wouldn’t let anybody near count of that little boy born in Bethlehem

Gimme little joy Gimme little joy Gimme little joy for the little baby boy
Gimme little joy for the little baby boy the boy born in Bethlehem

Gonna save us from our sins is there room in the inn?  For that little boy born in Bethlehem
Let the world rejoice every man has the choice of that little boy born in Bethlehem

Gimme little joy Gimme little joy Gimme little joy for the little baby boy
Gimme little joy for the little baby boy the boy born in Bethlehem
 

'A Little Joy' written by C.D.Knox “(P) & ©  2006 Holler Tree Ltd. (ASCAP)  All rights reserved.
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

3. Rockin Around the Christmas Tree
 

Notes:  Everybody knows this song - made famous by the great Brenda Lee back in the 60's.  We tried to do this her way and it didn't work.  So we gave it a new twist with a Latin feel.  I have always wondered what the 'New Old Fashioned way' of dancing is, I hope we broaden it a bit, regardless.  And by the way Sue and Charlie are my parents.

Rockin' around the Christmas tree at the Christmas party hop
Mistletoe hung where you can see Every couple wants to stop.
Rockin' around the Christmas tree Let the Christmas spirit ring
Later we'll have some pumpkin pie And we'll do some caroling.

You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear voices singing, "Let's be Jolly;
Deck the hall with boughs of holly.
Rockin' around the Christmas tree Have a happy holiday.
Ev'ryone dancing merrily In the new old-fashioned way.

Rockin' around the Christmas tree at the Christmas party hop
Mistletoe hung where you can see Every couple wants to stop.
Rockin' around the Christmas tree Let the Christmas spirit ring
Later we'll have some pumpkin pie And we'll do some caroling.

You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear voices singing, "Let's be Jolly;
Deck the hall like Sue and Charlie.
Rockin' around the Christmas tree Have a happy holiday.
Ev'ryone dancing merrily In the new old-fashioned way.
 

4. Please Come Home For Christmas
 

Bells will be ringing the sad, sad news Oh what a Christmas to have the blues
My baby's gone   I have no friends To wish me greetings once again
Crowds will be singing "Silent Night" Christmas carols by candlelight
Please come home for Christmas, please come home for Christmas
If not for Christmas, by New Year's night

Friends and relations send salutations Sure as the stars shine above
But this is Christmas, yes, Christmas my dear The time of year to be with the one you love

So won't you tell me you'll never more roam Christmas and New Year's will find you home
There'll be no more sorrow, no grief and pain and I'll be happy, happy once again      
There'll be no more sorrow, no grief and pain and I'll be happy, Christmas once again     
There'll be no more sorrow, no grief and pain and I'll be happy, Christmas once again     
 

5. Early On A Christmas Morn
 

Notes:  I first heard this song in 1994 on a Bruce Cockburn record.  It is a gospel song first recorded in the twenties or early thirties by a group called Frankie Half-Pint Jackson and the Cotton-Top Mountain Sanctified Singers.  I am pleased with how it turned out, especially the soul fried gospel call and response team doing back ups.  That's some solid (white) meat and potatoes. ~ Knox
 

Early on one Christmas morn Jesus Christ the son was born
Singing carols, Christmas songs Early on one Christmas morn
Early on one Christmas morn Jesus Christ the son was born
Singing carols, Christmas songs Jesus Christ the son was born

Three wise men saw the star at night Star that lit the heavens so bright
Star that led them to where Christ was born Early on one Christmas morn

Early on one Christmas morn Jesus Christ the son was born
Singing carols, Christmas songs Early on one Christmas morn
Early on one Christmas morn Jesus Christ the son was born
Singing carols, Christmas songs Jesus Christ the son was born

In that city of Bethlehem Wise men brought Him jewels and gems
Born in a manger humble and low That is why we love Him so

Early on one Christmas morn Jesus Christ the son was born
Singing carols, Christmas songs Early on one Christmas morn
Early on one Christmas morn Jesus Christ the son was born
Singing carols, Christmas songs Jesus Christ the son was born

I wonder as I wander out under the sky How Jesus, the Savior, did come for to die.
For poor, ornery people like you and like I I wonder as I wander, out under the sky.

When Mary birthed Jesus, ‘twas in a cows' stall, With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all
But high from God's heaven a star's light did  fall, And the promise of ages it then did re -call.

If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing: A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing;
Or all of God's angels in heaven to sing, He surely could have had it, ‘cause He was the King!

I wonder as I wander out under the sky How Jesus, the Savior, did come for to die.
For poor, ornery people like you and like I I wonder as I wander, out under the sky.
 

7. O Come All Ye Faithful
 

O come, all ye faithful. Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels:

O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation Sing, all yea citizens of heav'n above;
Glory to God, all glory in the highest:

O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Love and joy come to you and to you the gospel to and
God bless you and send you a happy new year God send you a happy New Year

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this holy morning, Jesus, to Thee be glory giv'n;
Word of the Father now in flesh appearing

O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him  O come let us adore Him  Christ the Lord.
 

8. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
 

I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus Underneath the mistletoe last night.
She didn't see me creep down the stairs to have a peep;
She thought that I was tucked up in my bedroom fast asleep.
Then, I saw Mommy tickle Santa Claus Underneath his beard so snowy white;
Oh, what a laugh it would have been If Daddy had just walked in 
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night.  

I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus Underneath the mistletoe last night.
She didn't see me creep down the stairs to have a peep;
She thought that I was tucked up in my bedroom fast asleep.
Then, I saw Mommy tickle Santa Claus Underneath his beard so snowy white;
Oh, what a laugh it would have been If Daddy had just walked in 
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night.
 

9. Down In Yon Forest
 

Notes:  This is a traditional English Carol collected by Ralph Vaughan Williams from the about 1900.  There is another version from North Carolina with slightly different lyrics.  It has an edgy feeling to it with rich symbolism.   I wasn't able to find a standard arrangement or melody so I wrote this based approximately on the scrapes I could find on the internet.  I love Lenny's Accordion - it gives it a great feel.

Down in yon forest there stands a hall The bells of paradise, I heard them ring
It's cover'd all over with purple and pall And I love my Lord Jesus above anything

In that hall there stands a bed The bells of paradise I heard them ring
It's cover'd all over with scarlet and red And I love my Lord Jesus above anything

Under that bed there runs a flood The bells of paradise I heard them ring
The one half runs water, the other runs blood And I love my Lord Jesus above anything

Over that bed the moon shines bright The bells of paradise I heard them ring
Denoting our Savior was born this night And I love my Lord Jesus above anything
And I love my Lord Jesus above anything And I love my Lord Jesus above anything
 

10. O Little Town Of Bethlehem

Notes:  This was one of my grandmothers favorite Christmas Carols.  When I was a kid we would sing it together and harmonize on the melody.  She passed away on December 13th 1994, and I did the vocal on this one December 13th 2006.  I held her memory dear as I sang this in the vocal booth.

O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight

For Christ is born of Mary And gathered all above
While mortals sleep the angels keep Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the king And peace to men on earth

How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given
So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of his heaven
No ear may hear his coming But in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive him still The dear Christ enters in
 

11. Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Notes: This is a classic to anyone who grew up in the church like I didn't.  I like this song because it isn't about mankind.  There aren't a lot of songs left that don't basically say me, me, me, I am the man, & I have it bad or I am in love or Woe is me, I thought I was the man but now I got bad love.  God is faithful throughout the ages. ~ Knox
 

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not, As Thou has been Thou forever wilt be.

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness, To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide.
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

12. Silent Night

Notes:  This song is a declaration of hope, love, peace, joy and humility.  This is my probably the most beautiful song ever written in my opinion.  I knew I had to record it.  We did it last and several times I almost bagged it.  I had several failed attempts at the vocals.  I had not planned on singing it this way, but this is how I felt it after a few days away and some meditation on the words.  After the vocals were finished Jay came back and added the Dobro Guitar.  It makes me feel like I am alone in this world, in hopelessness.  In the middle of the night, I take a walk in the plains and come upon a miracle.   In that moment everything I know and have worried over has been made calm.  It is silent and still.  It is holy.  There is hope.  ~ Knox
 

Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright 
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child Holy Infant so tender and mild 
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. 

Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight, 
Glories stream from Heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia; 
Christ the Savior is born; Christ the Savior is born. 

Silent night, Holy night, Son of God, love's pure light. 
Radiant beams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of Redeeming grace, 
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth; Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

'A Little Joy' written by C.D.Knox “(P) & ©  2006  (ASCAP)  All rights reserved.
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.