Politically Correct Carols

The Ship of Fools web site talks about some of the ways to make the old carols right, and asks for you to vote on the year's worst politically correct Christmas Carol. Here are some of the changes their shipmates have observed,

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Before: Glory to the newborn king
After: Glory to the Christ child, bring

(We can't have any references to Kings in the PC World)

O Come All Ye Faithful

Before: O come let us adore him
After: O come in adoration

(I guess they had to eliminate the masculine "him" in the hymn)

Once in Royal David's City

Before: When like stars his children crowned
All in white shall wait around
After: Where his children gather round
Bright like stars, with glory crowned

(Was it racially charged to dress the kids in white?)

Brightest and Best

Before: Brightest and best of the sons of the morning
After: Brightest and best of the stars of the morning

(There goes another masculine reference)

Joy to the World

Before: Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
After: Joy to the world, for peace shall come
Let this be our refrain!

(Not only is the Lord struck down, so is the King)

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

Before: This day is born a Saviour
Of a pure Virgin bright
After: To you is born a Saviour
In David's town tonight

(No more crossing your fingers during that one!)

Vote Here before Christmas!

I worry that the people of Bethlehem might be offended by the "little town" reference in "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" Maybe we should change "little" to "bless-ed."
(Remember the trouble Randy Newman got into with this song "Short People.")


Do any other Christmas Carols need updating?