The First Noel
Words and music by Traditional English carol · 1833
Key of D · 88 BPM · 3/4 · Christmas · Luke 2:8-10
Verse 1
The first Noel the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay —
in fields where they lay keeping their sheep
on a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Chorus
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel —
born is the King of Israel.
Verse 2
They lookèd
up and
saw a star
Shining in
the east,
beyond as them far;
And to
the earth it
gave great light,
And so it continued both day
and night. Noel,
Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King
of Israel.
Verse 3
And by
the light of
that same star
Three Wise
Men came
from country as
far; To
seek for a King
was their
intent, And to follow the star
wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel,
Noel, Born is the King
of Israel.
Verse 4
This star
drew nigh to
the northwest, Over Bethlehem
it took as its rest;
And there
it did both
stop and stay,
Right over the place
where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel,
Noel, Born is the King
of Israel.
Verse 5
Then did
they know assuredly
Within that house
the King as did lie;
One entered
it them
for to see,
And found
the Babe
in poverty. Noel,
Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King
of Israel.
Public domain. Free for churches.