Shepherds, What Joyful Tidings
For Christmas
Words: Herders hij is gebooren, Dutch Carol of the 15th Century
Words translated by the Rev. John O'Connor
Music: Traditional Dutch Carol
Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #121, pp. 20-21.
1. Shepherds, what
joyful tidings
Have made you sing and play?
Long have we been a-waiting
The Lamb that came today.
Cherubim, seraphim sang to us merrily;
Fear not but hurry ye over to Bethlehem.
2. So without too much
manners
We woke the neighbours all:
Singing away in the moonlight
We ran to that poor stall,
Blithe was our carol, it tuned with the angels'
So with we went hurrying over to Bethlehem.
3. When we were come
to the stable
We saw the new-born Child
Lying on straw in the manger
Like lamb on upland wild
Tearful His tiny lids wavered with shuddering,
Cold was the welcome they gave Him in Bethlehem.
4. I took my flute,
and my brother
Began to tune his reed:
Cheerly we played together
A soothing serenade.
Bye bye my darling and lullaby lullaby,
Weary eyes weep no more, never mind Bethlehem.
5. Look we have
brought You a lambkin
To shield and play with You;
New milk and play with You;
New milk and butter and junket,
For you are hungry too!
Bye bye my darling and lullaby lullaby
Weary eyes weep no more, never mind Bethlehem.
Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #121, pp. 20-21.
Note from Rev. Terry:
The occasional extra syllables which occur in the English verses (as well as in the original Dutch) readily adapt themselves to the lilt of the tune, which strongly suggests a rustic dance.
Editor's Note:
See the original sheet music (above) for assistance in placing notes to syllables.
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