Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day facts for kids
"Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing-day" is an old English Christmas carol. People believe it's a very old traditional song. It first appeared in a book called Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern in 1833. However, many experts think it was written much earlier. Some believe it might be from the 1500s. Others even suggest it could be based on older plays from the Middle Ages.
What is "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing-day"?
This carol is special because it tells the story of Jesus. It's told from his point of view. A unique part of the song is how it describes Jesus's life as a "dance." This idea makes the story feel active and joyful. A more modern song, "Lord of the Dance", also uses this same idea.
Famous Music Versions
Many well-known composers have created their own versions of this carol. The most famous one was made by John Gardner in 1965. Other famous composers like Gustav Holst and Igor Stravinsky have also arranged the traditional tune.
The Full Lyrics
The song's verses tell the story of Jesus's life. Each verse ends with a chorus that talks about doing things "for my true love."
Tomorrow shall be my dancing day;
I would my true love did so chance
To see the legend of my play,
To call my true love to my dance;
Chorus (sung after each verse)
Sing, oh! my love, oh! my love, my love, my love,
This have I done for my true love.
Then was I born of a virgin pure,
Of her I took fleshly substance
Thus was I knit to man's nature
To call my true love to my dance.
In a manger laid, and wrapped I was
So very poor, this was my chance
Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass
To call my true love to my dance.
Then afterwards baptized I was;
The Holy Ghost on me did glance,
My Father’s voice heard I from above,
To call my true love to my dance.
Into the desert I was led,
Where I fasted without substance;
The Devil bade me make stones my bread,
To have me break my true love's dance.
The Jews on me they made great suit,
And with me made great variance,
Because they loved darkness rather than light,
To call my true love to my dance.
For thirty pence Judas me sold,
His covetousness for to advance:
Mark whom I kiss, the same do hold!
The same is he shall lead the dance.
Before Pilate the Jews me brought,
Where Barabbas had deliverance;
They scourged me and set me at nought,
Judged me to die to lead the dance.
Then on the cross hanged I was,
Where a spear my heart did glance;
There issued forth both water and blood,
To call my true love to my dance.
Then down to hell I took my way
For my true love's deliverance,
And rose again on the third day,
Up to my true love and the dance.
Then up to heaven I did ascend,
Where now I dwell in sure substance
On the right hand of God, that man
May come unto the general dance.
