A Christmas Carol
(An Anthem for SATB Choir, a cappella)
by
Dan Locklair
Composed in 1981, A Christmas Carol is an anthem for SATB choir, a cappella. G.K. Chesterton, best known in America for his Father Brown detective stories, was one of England’s most prolific and provocative writers. A deeply religious man, his poem, A Christmas Carol, comes from his Collected Poems. My lyrical anthem based on Mr. Chesterton’s words was composed in 1981 in Binghamton, New York, with permission to use the text kindly granted by Miss D.E. Collins. A Christmas Carol is dedicated to friends Ron and Emmie Bishop.
Dan Locklair
The Christ-child lay on Mary’s lap,
His hair was like a light.
(O weary, weary were the world,
But here is all aright.)
The Christ-child lay on Mary’s breast
His hair was like a star.
(O stern and cunning are the kings,
But here the true hearts are.)
The Christ-child lay on Mary’s heart,
His hair was like a fire.
(O weary, weary is the world,
But here the world’s desire.)
The Christ-child stood on Mary’s knee,
His hair was like a crown,
And all the flowers looked up at Him,
And all the stars looked down
G.K. Chesterton