As I Sat On A Sunny Bank

For Christmas Day

Version 4

Words and Music: English Traditional
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF / XML
From Mrs. Wilson, near King's Langley, Hertfordshire

Lucy E. Broadwood and J. A. Fuller Maitland, English Country Songs. London: The Leadenhall Press, 1893.

1. As I sat on a sunny ban, a sunny bank, a sunny bank,
As I sat on a sunny bank,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

2. I saw three ships come sailing in, &c.

3. I asked them what they had in, &c.

4. They said they had the Saviour in, &c.

5. I asked them Where they found Him, &c.

6. They said they found Him in Bethlehem, &c.

7. Now all the bells  on earth shall ring, &c.

8. And all the angels in Heaven shall sing, &c.

Sheet Music

Note from Broadwood and Fuller Maitland:

The words in italics are used for the short repetitions, after which the whole line is repeated, and the burden 'On Christmas Day in the morning" closes each verse. The words of this carol are well known, and are included in many collections of Christmas Carols, such as Sandys, Husk, &c.

Versions On This Web Site:

• As I Sat On A Sunny Bank - Version 1 (Ralph Dunstan, with music)

• As I Sat On A Sunny Bank - Version 2 (Cecil Sharp, with music)

• As I Sat On A Sunny Bank - Version 3 (Cecil Sharp, with music)

• As I Sat On A Sunny Bank - Version 4 (Broadwood and Maitland, with music) (this page)

• The Sunny Bank - Version 5 (A Good Christmas Box)

• I Saw Three Ships - Version 1 (With Notes)

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