CPWI Hymnal ‎#88

88. The first Nowell the angel did say

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

Refrain:
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.

2 They lookèd 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 nigh 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 reverently upon their knee,
and offered there, in his presence,
gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. [Refrain]

6 Then let us all with one accord
sing praise to our heavenly Lord;
that hath made heaven and earth of nought,
and with his blood our life hath bought. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: The first Nowell the angel did say
• Author: Anonymous
• Refrain First Line: Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel
• Meter: Irregular with Refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2010
• Topic: Hymns for the Church Year: Christmas
• Source: 18th-century English carol

Tune Information

• Name: THE FIRST NOWELL
• Harmonizer: John Stainer, 1840-1901
• Meter: Irregular with Refrain
• Key: D Major
• Source: English carol, 17th century