This song is over 100 years old and has become part of our christmas carols in its icelandic translation. My question therefore is twofold: Does anyone know the original name of this song, and is it also considered a carol in its original english version?
p.s. Composed by a certain William Batchelder Bradbury, if that helps.
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
This song is over 100 years old and has become part of our christmas carols in its icelandic translation. My question therefore is twofold: Does anyone know the original name of this song, and is it also considered a carol in its original english version?
p.s. Composed by a certain William Batchelder Bradbury, if that helps.
Soon come blessing Christmas children go 'that forward to. All get them something beautiful, in it at candle and cards. Candle 'and cards, candle' and cards at least candle 'and cards.
What it will be knows now no, problem is the such that predict. One thing is certain always will intensive leg a gam an then. Fun then, the fun extremely gam an then.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Ok, I'm either not explaining myself very well or someone is misunderstanding something here (me most likely!)
So, VT, Is this the original english lyrics & title you're giving me there?
Or are you both thinking that what I was asking for is a translation into english? For, if that's the general presumption, then I've not expressed myself very well here - I myself am Icelandic, so I do not need to know what the icelandic title (nor lyrics) mean in english. I already know that
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
I don't know neither the song nor the (original) English title.
Looking for the credits, obviously William Batchelder Bradbury is the composer. He published fifty-nine books according to Wikipedia and other sources. (I don't know who copied from whom.)
Most of his books are not online available. Maybe you can find some information via the lyricist: Jóhannes Bjarni Jónasson úr Kötlum. There is probably a library in Iceland with more information to that song. Maybe you find a list of Jóhannes úr Kötlum's library to narrow down the source of origin.
I understand that Bradbury wrote and published a lot of songs, hymns and poems but is otherwise not very prominent on the www.
So it's safe to presume that this particular song is not widely considered amongst today's christmas carols in english speaking countries, then? I mean, have any of you even heard it before?
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Another search also runs into nothing: A search on iswcnet.cisac.org for the works of Jóhannes úr Kötlum reveals that "spelling is by copy and paste) BRADUM KOMA BLESSUD JOLIN is composed by JONSSON THORVALDUR and the words are written by KOETLUM JONASSON JOHANNES. The international works number is ISWC : T-906.384.614-0. So unfortunately there is no original English title given.
And now it gets funny. Searching for the title, now that I have the international spelling of Icelandic title, reveals something surprising: It results in a work number ISWC: T-906.382.955-0 and that is assigned to a song named OH MY DARLING CLEMENTINE written by BRADBURY WILLIAM BATCHEFELDER having the alternate title BRADUM KOMA BLESSUD JOLIN with special lyrics author KOETLUM JONASSON JOHANNES.
This song is at first sight not connected to the better known folk ballad with the same title. But it may give you a handle for a more successful search.
Another search also runs into nothing: A search on iswcnet.cisac.org for the works of Jóhannes úr Kötlum reveals that "spelling is by copy and paste) BRADUM KOMA BLESSUD JOLIN is composed by JONSSON THORVALDUR and the words are written by KOETLUM JONASSON JOHANNES. The international works number is ISWC : T-906.384.614-0. So unfortunately there is no original English title given.
And now it gets funny. Searching for the title, now that I have the international spelling of Icelandic title, reveals something surprising: It results in a work number ISWC: T-906.382.955-0 and that is assigned to a song named OH MY DARLING CLEMENTINE written by BRADBURY WILLIAM BATCHEFELDER having the alternate title BRADUM KOMA BLESSUD JOLIN with special lyrics author KOETLUM JONASSON JOHANNES.
This song is at first sight not connected to the better known folk ballad with the same title. But it may give you a handle for a more successful search.
Impressive. I almost feel like I need to apologise for pushing you into full 'geek-mode' with this deceptively simple thread here
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Yes, regardless of the results that was brilliant piece of work there, thank you
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Soon come blessing Christmas children go 'that forward to. All get them something beautiful, in it at candle and cards. Candle 'and cards, candle' and cards at least candle 'and cards.
What it will be knows now no, problem is the such that predict. One thing is certain always will intensive leg a gam an then. Fun then, the fun extremely gam an then.
I presume you came to this lyrics by some translation engine or what is your source?
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Yes, I found the 'approximate' title using a translation engine. However, while I was still researching the song to see what else I might value-add to the post, I undertook a fair bit of research, and found these among others:
I found several lyrics for the same song, so I added those. Hope that wasn't a problem. I do note that you only asked for the title.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Yes, I found the 'approximate' title using a translation engine.=== I found several lyrics for the same song, so I added those. Hope that wasn't a problem.
Of course it wasn't a "problem", everything you've contributed has been of tremendous help! I, for instance, having grown up with this song firmly linked to my childhood christmases, had no idea the song included four lyrics until just now. We traditionally are only taught the first two. So, thanks again for both of you for your contributions.
Btw, I've just completed and put up my own highly modernised rendition of this song in the Showcase section - which, I might add, is why I started this whole enquiry about the song in the first place.
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Yes, the links to the song, especially the second link took a lot of finding actually. There was a lot of information on the composer, but not much on the compositions.
As a matter of interest, as an Icelander, how do you interpret what the English translation of the song title might be?
Were we close?
Last edited by VideoTrack; 12/23/1603:21 AM.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
As a matter of interest, as an Icelander, how do you interpret what the English translation of the song title might be?
Were we close?
Very close, you can see I felt the need to actually ask you if you had found some official source of the actual lyrics, which should show just how decent it was
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
You asked if we had heard this song before. I have not.
Yes, I've come to the conclusion that even if it is originally by an american, this carol is all but forgotten by pretty much everyone outside of our country. I think the excellent work by our poet, who is credited for the icelandic version of the lyrics, has undoubtedly had much to do with its lasting life within our xmas culture.
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Also, I looked in a book I keep on hand this time of year: The International Book of Christmas Carols, edited by Walter Ehret and George K. Evans - I can't find this one.
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.