Old hymn tune:
This joyful carol was formerly sung to a rather staid hymn tune in 4-4 time and using only a limited range of notes.
It was much loved by elderly members of the congregation, but its mood did not match the words about gold and green and sparkle and the children's joy on the open beach.
Here is the old tune. One wet summer holidays, its sombre mood encouraged some children to sing it to these words.
We're sad at Christmas, a very wet Christmas,
The rain's not stopped falling, we can't go and play
We're too glum for carols about the good Christ child,
O God, send us sunshine for our holiday.