Music and Lyrics by Dorothy van Joolen Barth ©2015
Sweet anticipation
Bright bows and sugar beasts
Delivered in my weathered shoe
December 's early feast
But Christmas brought the stillness
A candle cast its spell
A wreath atop my wooden desk
Green ink within the well
St. Nicholas on a prancing horse
From far-off Spain is here
He brings glad gifts, he brings the birch
Good children need not fear
But Christmas brought the stillness
A candle cast its spell
A baby in a wooden bed
Sweet beasts to warm him well
Now here across the ocean
My childhood's long been spent
And revelry with silence
Each Christmastime must blend
BRIDGE (Instrumental)
O may Christmas bring the stillness
Let candles cast their spell
A baby in a wooden bed
And joy within the well
Bring me no marzipan or gold
Bring me no brazen cheer
Just bring me back that stillness
That I once felt so dear
O may Christmas bring the stillness
Let candles cast their spell
A baby in a wooden bed
And joy within the well
These are the lyrics to a new Christmas carol I have written. I've also composed the music and will be recording it hopefully by Christmas 2015. It recalls the St. Nicholas Day and Christmas in my birthplace, The Netherlands. There the holidays are separate, with St. Nicholas the suspenseful day for children awaiting gifts, and Christmas a more contemplative, quiet holiday.
Copyright 2009 Dorothea Barth. All rights reserved.