The Hymnal ‎#551

551. 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
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. [Refrain]

6 Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with his blood mankind hath bought. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: The first Nowell the angel did say
• Meter: P.M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1916
• Topic: Christmas; Carols; Sunday Schools: Carols
• Source: Traditional
• Notes: Now Public Domain.

Tune Information

• Name: THE FIRST NOWELL
• Meter: P.M.
• Incipit: 32123 45671 76567
• Key: D Major
• Source: Traditional English, pub. 1833
• Notes: Now Public Domain.