The Hymnal 1982 ‎#247

247. O sisters, too

Burden:
Lully, lullay, thou little tiny child,
bye-bye, lully lullay.

1. O sisters, too,
how may we do
for to preserve this day
this poor youngling
for whom we sing,
bye-bye lully lullay?

2. Herod the King,
in his raging
charged he hath this day
his men of might,
in his own sight,
all young children to slay.

3. That woe is me,
poor child, for thee!
And every morn and day,
for thy parting
nor say nor sing
bye-bye, lully lullay. [Burden]

Lully, lullay, thou little tiny child,
bye-bye, lully lullay.

Text Information

• First Line: O sisters, too
• Refrain First Line: Lully, lullay, thou little tiny child
• Meter: 44. 6 D with Refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1985
• Topic: Holy Days and Various Occasions: Holy Innocents (December 28)
• Source: Coventry carol, 15th cent.

Tune Information

• Name: COVENTRY CAROL
• Harmonizer: Martin Fallas Shaw, 1875-1958
• Meter: 44. 6 D with Refrain
• Key: g minor
• Source: Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors, 15th cent. (melody)
• Copyright: Harmonization by permission of Oxford University Press.