The Wellerman Carol: A Fresh Take on Christmas Music

This Christmas, worshippers at St John’s Failsworth have a new carol to enjoy, thanks to The Revd Aysha St Giles, who has written a festive piece to the tune of the popular Wellerman Sea Shanty. The idea behind the carol was simple yet creative: to craft something contemporary, joyful, and easy for people of all ages and abilities to sing.

The Wellerman Carol is designed to work beautifully unaccompanied, making it ideal for churches or worshipping communities without an organist or musicians. Its rhythmic, catchy structure also lends itself perfectly to clapping, tapping, and body percussion – even leg slapping – bringing energy and fun to any gathering.

By using a tune that many already know and love, the carol invites participation and joy, whether in a service or a community event.

As Aysha explains, the goal was to create something that “people could pick up quickly and enjoy together.”

The words are as follows:

The Wellerman Carol

At Christmas time we hear of how

Emmanuel, God with us now.

A stable sheltered family

God’s humble presence with us. Good news!

The angels sing of God who fills reality.

Not just in history or stain’ glass piety. Good news!

The mother, Mary, risked her life

to bring to birth this precious child.

In pain and sweat and blood and tears

she knew the cost of childbirth.  Good news!

At Christmas time the shepherds were

the first to hear of this new birth.

With nothing but themselves to bring,

God blessed them with his favour.   Good news!

And then a journey so to flee

a despot from our history.

As refugees they left their land

to look for place of safety.  Good news!

And so we hear of magi three

who sought to know their destiny.

And bringing gifts they found in him

the fullness of God’s treasure. Good news!

A cradle is not needed now

to hold the one to whom we bow,

but seek within and you can know

the one who’s looking for you.  Good news!

Words ©Aysha St Giles.