I Hear Upon The Highway

For Christmas

Words: J'antan po note ruē, Traditional Burgundian Noël
Translation from La Monnoye by the Rev. J. O'Connor

Music: Traditional Burgundian Noël

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #73, pp. 12-13.

1. I hear upon the highway
    Resounding minstrelsy.
How well upon the hautboy
    Do their carolings agree!
            We around the heart of His birth
            Carol snugly all the Night.

2. December month rejoices
    In carols every day;
Men lift their leather voices
    As they go along their way.
            We around etc.

3. The shepherds I the stable,
    Before the cock'rel crew,
Sang well as they were able,
    To whatever tune they knew.
            We around etc.

4. Of course they sang, or played it
    Devoutly, young and old,
But while they serenaded
    Their feet grow cold.
            We around etc.

5. The poor young washerwomen
    They carol by the flow
Conducting with their 'bittles'
    With feet wet and hair a-blow.
            We around etc.

6. At shin-toast as one lingers,
    One's all agog to sing,
But blowing on one's fingers
    Makes it quite another thing.
            We around etc.

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #73, pp. 12-13.

If you would like to help support Hymns and Carols of Christmas, please click on the button below and make a donation.

Related Hymns and Carols