The Christmas carol "Ding Dong Merrily on High" is a popular holiday song that dates back to the 16th century. The lyrics of the song are based on a traditional French carol, and it is thought to be one of the first Christmas carols to be sung in English. The song is about the joyous ringing of bells on Christmas Eve, and it is often performed by choirs and brass bands during the holiday season. Lyrics were written by the English composer George Ratcliffe Woodward who had an interest in church bell ringing which is the subject of the carol. The tune itself is a much older one which was originally recorded in the 16th century by Jehan Tabourot in his study of French Renaissance social dance called Orchésographie. This recording offers reading of the English language lyrics followed by magical Harp music based on original melody composition.