Over the years, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," with its simple, plaintive melody and joyous words, has become a holiday favorite in the world over. Although this traditional English carol is often said to be in a minor key, it is actually in the Aeolian mode, (also known as "natural" minor), which is different from the more common harmonic form of minor in that the Aeolian mode's leading tone is a whole step from the tonic. The encouraging words of this carol are an inspiration to people everywhere.