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.
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!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
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.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean