Hymn Lyrics

PLEASE NOTE: Not all verses may be sung and words may vary in the particular hymn presentation.

In Dulci Jubilo
Words: Fourteenth-century German/Latin Macaronic Carol
Music: In Dulci Jubilo | 14th Century German Melody
Among various versions of “In Dulci Jubilo” two are given below:

Version One:

1. In dulci jubilo (In sweet jubilation)
Now sing with hearts aglow!
Our delight and pleasure
Lies In praesepio; (the manger)
Like sunshine is our treasure
Matris in gremio, (on His mother’s lap)
Alpha es et O! (Who is Alpha and Omega)
Alpha es et O!

2. O Jesu parvule, (O infant Jesus)
For thee I long alway;
Comfort in my heart’s blindness,
O puer optime; (Child most excellent)
With all thy loving kindness,
O princeps gloriae. (O Prince of glory)
Trahe me post te. (Draw me after Thee)
Trahe me post te.

3. O patris caritas! (O love of the Father)
O Nati lenitas! (O gentleness of the Son)
Deeply were we stained
Per nostra crimina: (For our sins)
But Thou for us hast gained
Coelorum gaudia, (The joys of heaven)
O that we were there!

4. Ubi sunt gaudia, (Where are those joys)
In any place but there?
There are Angels singing
Nova cantica; (New songs)
And there the bells are ringing
In Regis curia. (In the King’s court)
O that we were there!


Version Two:

1. In dulci iubilo,
Now sing we all i-o
He, my love, my wonder,
Li’th in presepio,
Like any sunbeam, yonder
Matris in gremio,
Alpha es et O, Alpha es et O!

2. O Jesu parvule
I yearn for thee alway:
Listen to my ditty,
O puer optime
Have pity on me, pity;
O princeps gloriae.
Trahe me post te, Trahe me post te!

3. O Patris caritas!
O Nati lenitas!
All with us was over,
Per nostra crimina:
But then thou didst recover
Coelorum gaudia
O that we were there!

4. Ubi sunt gaudia
If that they be not there?
Angels there are singing,
Nova cantica,
Sweet bells the while a-ringing
In regis curia.
O that we were there.