300. The First Noel

1 The first Noel the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
in fields where they lay, keeping their sheep,
on a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Refrain:
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel!
Born is the King of Israel.

2 They looked up and saw a star
shining in the east beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night. [Refrain]

3 And by the light of that same star
three wise men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went. [Refrain]

4 This star drew near to the northwest,
o'er Bethlehem it took its rest;
and there it did both stop and stay
right over the place where Jesus lay. [Refrain]

5 Then entered in those wise men three,
full rev'rently upon the knee,
and offered there in his presence
their gold and myrrh, and frankincense. [Refrain]

Text Information
First Line: The first Noel the angel did say
Title: The First Noel
Refrain First Line: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Meter: Irregular
Language: English
Publication Date: 2006
Topic: Christmas; Epiphany, Time After Epiphany
Source: English Traditional
Tune Information
Name: THE FIRST NOWELL
Arranger: John Stainer, 1840-1901
Meter: Irregular
Key: D Major
Source: English Traditional



Media
Audio recording: MP3
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us