Lyrics:

[Original recording from the Chieftain's album 'The Bells Of Dublin']The streets are filled with laughter and lightAnd the music of the seasonAnd the merchants' windows are all brightWith the faces of the childrenAnd the families hurrying to their homesAs the sky darkens and freezesWill be gathering around the hearths and tablesGiving thanks for all God's gracesAnd the birth of the rebel JesusThey call him by the 'Prince of Peace'And they call him by 'The Saviour'And they pray to him upon the seaAnd in every bold endeavorAs they fill his churches with their pride and goldAnd their faith in him increasesBut they've turned the nature that I worshipped inFrom a temple to a robber's denIn the words of the rebel JesusWe guard our world with locks and gunsAnd we guard our fine possessionsAnd once a year when Christmas comesWe give to our relationsAnd perhaps we give a little to the poorIf the generosity should seize usBut if any one of us should interfereIn the business of why there are poorThey get the same as the rebel JesusBut pardon me if I have seemedTo take the tone of judgementFor I've no wish to come betweenThis day and your enjoymentIn this life of hardship and of earthly toilWe have need for anything that frees usSo I bid you pleasure and I bid you cheerFrom a heathen and a paganOn the side of the rebel Jesus.