We Wish You a Merry Christmas (Mino-Niibaa-anami’ewigiizhigad)
The lyrics for “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” date back to the 17th century in English but the tune was composed in by composer, conductor, and organist, Arthur Warrell who arranged the song for his group, the Bristol University Madrigal Singers, and performed it at a concert in December 1935. This version of the song is sung annually by students in Cook County who aren’t always sure they like figgy pudding. For an excellent description of this strange and sticky seasonal treat we suggest you enjoy Max Miller’s history lesson, Figgy Pudding: A Victorian Christmas Tradition. Most importantly, in the song you will learn how to spread good holiday cheer, talk about what you really love to eat and insist “gaawiin niwiimaajaasii” (I won’t leave) until you get some!
1)
Mino-Niibaa-anami’ewigiizhigad
We wish you a Merry Christmas
Mino-Niibaa-anami’ewigiizhigad
We wish you a Merry Christmas
Mino-Niibaa-anami’ewigiizhigad
We wish you a Merry Christmas
Miinawaa Oshki-biboon
And a Happy New Year
2)
Biidoon gichizhoominiwaaboo
Now bring us some figgy pudding
Biidoon gichizhoominiwaaboo
Now bring us some figgy pudding
Biidoon gichizhoominiwaaboo
Now bring us some figgy pudding
Miinawaa biidoon omaa
And bring it out here
3)
Nizaagitoomin gichizhoominiwaaboo
For we love our figgy pudding
Nizaagitoomin gichizhoominiwaaboo
For we love our figgy pudding
Nizaagitoomin gichizhoominiwaaboo
For we love our figgy pudding
Miinawaa biidoon omaa
And bring it out here
4)
Gaawiin niwii-maajaasiimin
We won’t go until we get some
Gaawiin niwii-maajaasiimin
We won’t go until we get some
Gaawiin niwii-maajaasiimin
We won’t go until we get some
Miinawaa biidoon omaa
And bring it out here
5)
Mino-Niibaa-anami’ewigiizhigad
We wish you a Merry Christmas
Mino-Niibaa-anami’ewigiizhigad
We wish you a Merry Christmas
Mino-Niibaa-anami’ewigiizhigad
We wish you a Merry Christmas
Miinawaa oshki-biboon
And a Happy New Year