Adam lay ybounden

This carol paints a scene of Adam's bondage and the subsequent redemption brought about by the apple's fateful taking. The text beautifully links this original sin to the exaltation of Mary as Queen of Heaven, suggesting that without that original transgression, she would not have ascended to her divine role. It concludes with a thankful "Deo gracias" for the moment the apple was taken, from which such profound grace has sprung. John Ireland's setting for SATB voices, in English, captures the narrative arc of this medieval text with clarity and devotion, making it a fitting choice for Christmas programming.