Deck the Hall

Wales

HISTORY AND SONG NOTES

Deck the Hall, sometimes known as Deck the Halls, originated in Wales in the 16th century. The English words that are commonly sung today were penned by Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant in 1862.

Additional Verses:

See the flaming yule before us, fa la la la la… la la la la

Strike the harp and join the chorus, fa la la la la… la la la la

Follow me in merry measure, fa la la, la la la, la la la

While I sing of yuletide treasure, fa la la la la… la la la la

Fast away the old year passes, fa la la la la… la la la la

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, fa la la la la… la la la la

Sing we joyous all together, fa la la, la la la, la la la

Heedless of the wind and weather, fa la la la la… la la la la

Singing and Instrument playing

With its joyful mood and uptempo beat, this tune works well as both a group singing or instrument playing activity for young children. The children may enjoy singing, or hearing you sing, the song while they play instruments as a group. Shakers and bells work particularly well with this song, enabling the children to play along with the beat and feel the meter. Click here to read more about group singing or instrument playing.

AUDIO RECORDING with words FOR LISTENING, SINGING ALONG, AND LEARNING: 

You may notice that the style of the following recording employs elements of rhythmic variety and syncopation. The children may enjoy experiencing these concepts by listening, moving, or playing instruments along to this recording.

Downloads:

PDF of Score: Deck the Hall