Singing the Living Tradition ‎#259

259. We Three Kings of Orient Are

1 We three kings of Orient are;
bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.

Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to this perfect night.

2 Frankincense to offer have I,
incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising, all are raising,
worship God most high. [Refrain]

3 Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom;
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in the stone-cold tomb. [Refrain]

4 Born a babe on Bethlehem's plain,
gold I bring to crown him again,
love forever, ceasing never,
in our hearts to reign. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: We three kings of Orient are
• Title: We Three Kings of Orient Are
• Author: John Henry Hopkins, Jr., 1820-1891
• Refrain First Line: O star of wonder, star of light
• Meter: Irregular
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Topic: Jewish and Christian Teachings: Epiphany

Tune Information

• Name: KINGS OF ORIENT
• Composer: John Henry Hopkins, Jr., 1820-1891
• Meter: Irregular
• Key: G Major or modal