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146 | Glory to God#147 | 148 |
Text: | The First Nowell |
Tune: | THE FIRST NOWELL |
Media: | Audio recording |
1 The first Nowell 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:
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
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 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 nought,
and with his blood our life hath bought. [Refrain]
Text Information | |
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First Line: | The first Nowell, the angel did say |
Title: | The First Nowell |
Refrain First Line: | Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell |
Meter: | Irregular |
Language: | English |
Publication Date: | 2013 |
Scripture: | ; ; ; |
Topic: | Christian Year: Nativity/Christmas; Christian Year: Epiphany; Jesus Christ: Birth |
Source: | English carol; Some Ancient Christmas Carols, 2nd ed., 1823, alt. |
Tune Information | |
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Name: | THE FIRST NOWELL |
Meter: | Irregular |
Key: | D Major |
Source: | English carol; Sandys’ Christmas Carols, 1833 |
“Nowell” is the English form of the French “noel,” a shout of joy formerly used at Christmas (as in Chaucer’s “Franklin’s Tale”), a clue that the word is older than its first printing. It may have Latin and French roots related to “born” (natus / né) as well to “news” (nova / nouvelle).
Media | |
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Audio recording: | Audio (MP3) |