I heard this carol on Ron Olesko's Traditions last year or the year before, if I recall correctly, and fell in love with it.

I don't remember the name of the performers, but it was definitely an upbeat version.

When I went to search the DT for the lyrics though, I was not only shocked by the dirge like quality of the melody, but also that the number of notes didn't match up with the syllables in the verse. The only way I could make it fit was thusly:

All hail to the days
That merit more praise
Than all the rest of the year
And welcome the nights
That double delights
As well for the poor as the peer!
And welcome the nights
That double delights
As well for the poor as the peer!


But the first "peer" is sung on such a high note that it sounded strident to my ear. Is this doubling more of Loreena McKennitt's "individual" take on the song, or did she only change tempo?

Also, what year is this song from? It sounds like it might be as old as 17th C., but that's just my gut reaction, I dunno.