The Bagpipe Carol

For Christmas

Words: Per noun langui

English Translation by the Rev. J. O'Connor

Music: A Provençal Noël.

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #81, pp. 6-7.

1. This is a tedious road we're in;
Cheer it up with a story,
This is a tedious road we're in;
Cheer it up with a story,
And with the fife and tambourine,
Wake up a din of glory.

Chorus:

Sing we Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
Nowell, with pipe and chanters.

2. Tis'nt so far as I supposed,
Here we are at the manger.
Tis'nt so far as I supposed,
Here we are at the manger.
Take off your hat, the first as goes
To hail the holy Stranger.
        Chorus.

3. Strike up a fire and take my pan,
Hot up sheep-milk and water
Strike up a fire and take my pan,
Hot up sheep-milk and water
Put lambskin round the Little Man,
Bestir thee, Willy's daughter.
        Chorus.

4. Now golden headed Mary Maid
Take comfort and God speed ye,
Now golden headed Mary Maid
Take comfort and God speed ye,
We'll take our leave, but don't be 'fraid
We'll never see ye needy.
        Chorus.

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #81, pp. 6-7.

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