First Nowell, The (Traditional)

From ChoralWiki

Music files

See also the Christmas Songbook

• CPDL #7042: PDF and MIDI files available.

Editor: Edward L. Stauff (added 2004-05-20).   Score information: Letter, 1 page   Copyright: Personal

Edition notes:

• CPDL #1760: GIF and MIDI files available.

Editor: Christopher R. Baker - Online Christmas Songbook (added 2000-11-27).   Copyright: other

Edition notes: arr. John Stainer

• CPDL #15608:       NWC

Editor: John Henry Fowler (added 2007-12-03).   Score information: A4, 2 pages, 54 kbytes       Copyright: Public Domain

Edition notes: File Sizes: PDF: 54 KB, MIDI: 7 KB, NWC: 2 KB.

General Information

Title: First Nowell, The
Composer: Traditional

Number of voices: 4vv  Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Carols
Language: English
Instruments: a cappella.
Published: Christmas Carols New and Old (1871)

Description:

External websites:

• Cyber Hymnal entry for The First Noel

Original text and translations

English text

1.

The first Noel the angel did say

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;

In fields where they lay tending their sheep,

On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Refrain:

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,

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,

Over Bethlehem it took its rest;

And there it did both stop and stay,

Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Refrain

5.

Then did they know assuredly

Within that house the King did lie;

One entered it them for to see,

And found the Babe in poverty.

Refrain

6.

Then entered in those Wise Men three,

Full reverently upon the knee,

And offered there, in His presence,

Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Refrain

7.

Between an ox stall and an ass,

This Child truly there He was;

For want of clothing they did Him lay

All in a manger, among the hay.

Refrain

8.

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

9.

If we in our time shall do well,

We shall be free from death and hell;

For God hath prepared for us all

A resting place in general.

Refrain