Josh Garrels - The Boar's Head Lyrics
Lyrics
The boar's head in hand bear I
Bedecked with bays and rosemary;
And I pray you my masters be merry,
Quot estis in convivio as many as are at the feast.
Refrain
Caput apri defero I bring in the boar's head
Reddens laudes Domino Giving thanks to the lord
The boar's head as I understand
Is the rarest dish in all the land,
When thus bedecked with a gay garland,
Let us servire cantico serve it with a song.
Our steward hath provided this
In honour of the King of bliss,
Which on this day to be served is
In Reginensis atrio In Queen's Hall.
Video
Josh Garrels, "The Boar's Head" (OFFICIAL AUDIO)
Meaning & Inspiration
Josh Garrels' rendition of "The Boar's Head," released on November 24, 2016, is not merely a musical offering but a profound meditation on feasting, gratitude, and the ultimate King of Bliss. The song draws its roots from a centuries-old tradition, a carol sung to announce the arrival of a boar's head at a festive meal, often accompanied by much ceremony. Garrels imbues this historical practice with a deep theological resonance, transforming a secular tradition into a vibrant proclamation of faith. He understands this "rarest dish" not simply as a culinary delight but as a symbolic representation, a tangible element brought forth to honor the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. This act of bringing forth the boar's head, bedecked with bays and rosemary – the former signifying victory and glory, the latter remembrance and honor – becomes a visual metaphor for the celebration of Christ's birth and reign. The Latin phrases, "Quot estis in convivio" and "Reddens laudes Domino," integrated into the narrative, underscore the communal nature of this praise and the purposeful act of giving thanks. This echoes the biblical call for believers to gather and offer praise, as seen in Psalm 100:2, which exhorts us to "Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing." The Steward's provision of this feast is an act of service, mirroring the divine provision we receive daily. The mention of the "King of bliss" served "In Reginensis atrio," or Queen's Hall, powerfully connects the earthly celebration to the heavenly realm, the ultimate banquet where Christ is the honored guest and provider. Garrels' interpretation invites us to see every gathering, every shared meal, and every moment of abundance as an opportunity to honor Christ, remembering that all good gifts come from Him, just as James 1:17 states, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights." The song encourages a spirit of pervasive gratitude, reminding us that the true feast is not just the food on the table, but the presence of the Risen Lord among us, for whom we continually give thanks and praise.