Shepherds, Be Joyful

For Christmas

Words Supplied by D. N. Y.

Music: French Melody

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #90, pp. 26-27.

1. Shepherds be joyful, your Saviour is come,
In a rude shippon he findeth a home.
        Chorus:
        Lullaby, Lullaby, Lullaby sing.
        Sing round the cradle of Jesus your King

2. Hark to the choir of bright angels on high,
Singing to Jesus their sweet lullaby.
        Chorus:
        Lullaby, Lullaby, Lullaby sing.
        Swell the glad chorus, to Jesus your King.

3. See, from the East come a-riding the Kings,
Bearing sweet incense and all precious things.
        Chorus:
        Lullaby, Lullaby, Lullaby sing.
        Make too your off'ring to Jesus your King.

4. Gold have ye none; bring ye then to the cave
Clean hearts and true; these are all He doth crave.
        Chorus:
        Lullaby, Lullaby, Lullaby sing.
        Lay your hearts' love at the feet of your King.

5. Kneel ye together then, Shepherd and King:
Worship the Babe who salvation doth bring.
        Chorus:
        Lullaby, Lullaby, Lullaby sing.
        Praise evermore, unto Jesus your King.

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #90, pp. 26-27.

Note from Rev. Terry:

The tune of this carol, – popular throughout France – has been fitted with all manner of words, e.g., the version in “Vieux Noels” is a long and didactic dialogue between Adam and Human Nature; the Provençal version is also Adamite; in the Dictionnaire de Noëls et cantiques the melody is set to a hymn for Missions and Retreats. It is therefore set to words that are possibly more in keeping with its cheerful character. Note that in the last four bars the basses should sing for every verse the words given under the music as shown above.

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