Corpus Christi Carol

For the Feast of Corpus Christi

Words and Music: Traditional

Compare: The Falcon Carol, Down In Yon Forest, Down In Yon Forest - John Jacob Niles, and Over Yonder's A Park

1. Down in yon forest there stands a hall,
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring;
It's covered all over with purple and pall [so tall]
And I love my Lord Jesus above any thing.

2. In that hall there stands a bed,
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring;
It's covered all over with scarlet so red.
And I love my Lord Jesus above any thing.

3. At the bedside there lies a stone
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring;
Which the sweet Virgin Mary knelt upon.
And I love my Lord Jesus above any thing.

4. Under that bed there runs a flood [river]
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring;
The one half runs water, the other runs blood.
And I love my Lord Jesus above any thing.

5. At the foot of the bed there grows a thorn
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring;
Which ever blooms [blows] blossoms since He was born.
And I love my Lord Jesus above any thing.

6. Over that bed the moon shines bright,
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring;
Denoting our Saviour was born on this night.
And I love my Lord Jesus above any thing.

Editor's Note:

The solemnity of Corpus Christi is observed on the first Thursday after Trinity Sunday, which is celebrated on first Sunday after Pentecost, a.k.a. Whitsunday, so called from the white garments which were worn by those who were baptized during the vigil.  In 2004, Pentecost was celebrated on May 30, Trinity Sunday was June 6, and Corpus Christi was June 10.

Properly speaking, this is not a Christmas carol.  However, since it refers to the birth of Christ, I've included it in this collection.

See additional notes and music under Over Yonder's A Park

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