“All Through the Night,” known in Welsh as “Ar Hyd y Nos,” is actually a Welsh folk song that has been mistakenly attributed to Irish origins over time. The melody dates back to at least the 18th century, with the earliest printed version appearing in Edward Jones’s “Musical and Poetical Relicks of the Welsh Bards” in 1784. The original Welsh lyrics were written by John Ceiriog Hughes, a celebrated Welsh poet, though various English translations have emerged over the centuries.
The song gained international popularity during the Victorian era when it was arranged for formal choral performances. Its haunting melody and lullaby-like quality have made it a favorite across the British Isles and beyond, leading to its adoption into many folk traditions including Irish collections. Though not authentically Irish in origin, the song has been performed by numerous Irish musicians and has become part of the broader Celtic musical heritage.
Lyrics
Sleep my child and peace attend thee
All through the night
Guardian angels God will send thee
All through the night
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping
Hill and vale in slumber sleeping
God his loving vigil keeping
All through the night
While the moon her watch is keeping
All through the night
As the weary world is sleeping
All through the night
Through your dreams you’re swiftly stealing
Visions of delight revealing
Christmas time is so appealing
All through the night
You my child, a babe of wonder
All through the night
Dreams you dream can break asunder
All through the night
Children’s dreams, they can’t be broken
Life is but a lovely token
Christmas should be softly spoken
All through the night
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