The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Bright as the sun in the dark night air
There appeared a heavenly light
To guide the wise men to the King of hope
Who was born on Christmas night
The wisdom child and his mother mild
Slept in a manger stall
In a stable low while the cattle moaned
And the angels stood their guard
Come rejoice
Queen and beggar
The homeless man
And the Prince of pride
Saints and vagabonds
Rich and poor
Rejoice in gladness on
Christmas night
Bearing their gifts every wise man knelt
Bending his knees to the King
In the heavenly light while sweet Mary smiled
They heard the angels sing
So every soul on Christmas day learns to find the Grace
With gifts of Myers' and francescence
They bless sweet Jesus face
Come rejoice
Queen and beggar
The homeless man
And the Prince of pride
Saints and vagabonds
Rich and poor
Rejoice in gladness on
Christmas night
Late tonight on a city street
some Child of woman and man
Goes to sleep on the frozen gravel
and holds an empty hand
Lift your eyes to the hopeless face
That greets you on your way
Give the tender gift of hope
Make Christmas every day.
Come rejoice
Queen and beggar
The homeless man
And the Prince of pride
Saints and vagabonds
Rich and poor
Rejoice in gladness on
Christmas night
There appeared a heavenly light
To guide the wise men to the King of hope
Who was born on Christmas night
The wisdom child and his mother mild
Slept in a manger stall
In a stable low while the cattle moaned
And the angels stood their guard
Come rejoice
Queen and beggar
The homeless man
And the Prince of pride
Saints and vagabonds
Rich and poor
Rejoice in gladness on
Christmas night
Bearing their gifts every wise man knelt
Bending his knees to the King
In the heavenly light while sweet Mary smiled
They heard the angels sing
So every soul on Christmas day learns to find the Grace
With gifts of Myers' and francescence
They bless sweet Jesus face
Come rejoice
Queen and beggar
The homeless man
And the Prince of pride
Saints and vagabonds
Rich and poor
Rejoice in gladness on
Christmas night
Late tonight on a city street
some Child of woman and man
Goes to sleep on the frozen gravel
and holds an empty hand
Lift your eyes to the hopeless face
That greets you on your way
Give the tender gift of hope
Make Christmas every day.
Come rejoice
Queen and beggar
The homeless man
And the Prince of pride
Saints and vagabonds
Rich and poor
Rejoice in gladness on
Christmas night
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Come Rejoice Lyrics as written by Judy Collins
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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