PagineIn the Bleak Midwinter is a 1872 Christmas carol that begins “In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone…”. Below are the full public-domain lyrics to print and sing, links to free sheet music, its history and fun actions for kids.
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.
What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
In the Bleak Midwinter · words: Christina Rossetti (poem, 1872) · music: Gustav Holst (“Cranham”, 1906) · public domain · printed from pagineapp.com
Full hymn and choir arrangements of In the Bleak Midwinter are free because the song is in the public domain. Download them from these non-profit libraries:
In the Bleak Midwinter began as a poem by the English poet Christina Rossetti in 1872. Gustav Holst set it to music in 1906. Its last verse — what can I give? — makes a lovely talking point about giving.
Pause after the last line and share: what could you give?
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The words are by Christina Rossetti (poem, 1872) and the music is by Gustav Holst (“Cranham”, 1906); it dates from 1872.
Yes. In the Bleak Midwinter is in the public domain, so the lyrics on this page are free to print and sing at home, school or church.
In the Bleak Midwinter is a good fit for children aged 6+. Try the actions on this page to keep little ones singing along.
🗓️ Updated October 2026