New music (and, of course, I think better) and new verse for an old favorite.
This was literally a Christmas eve song—it started coming in the morning. The
music and extra verse popped out.
For once, the accompaniment got written right away and in the afternoon I was away
to the Borngraeber's to practice it. A youngster of dancing age (less than two) started
doing that, a tambourine and drum got added, and away we went. Ever since then the
instructions "Add instruments and noisemakers and dancing children.
Mix thoroughly" have been part of the score.
Not sure whether to classify this as hymn or sacred song--it's been used both ways, most commonly with a soloist on the verses and congregation on the refrain as in the recording.
Christmas Eve, 1990
Lyrics:
The first Noel, the angel did say
Unto certain poor shepherds in fields where they lay.
In fields where they lay, keeping watch o'er their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Refrain
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Sing we all Noel!
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel!
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Sing we all Noel!
Sing we Noel! The King is born!
When they looked up, they saw a bright star,
Shining high in the East, beyond them far,
And to the Earth it gave forth a great light,
And so it shined on, both day and night.
Refrain
And by the light of that holy star,
Three wisemen came from a country, far.
They chased after it without any delay
To the cold, humble place where Jesus lay.
Refrain
Then entered in those wisemen three,
Full of reverence and awe and on bended knee.
They offered there in the child's presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Refrain
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our living Lord,
Who comes to Earth this Christmas day
Bringing women and men a peaceful way.
Refrain
Refrain