Copyright for the original carol: public domain
Original text: Traditional English (16th-17th Century or earlier)
Original melody: Traditional English (16th-17th Century or earlier)
As it turns out, there are many versions of The First Noel, but most seem to have arisen in the 16-17th centuries in England or earlier, with variations of melody and text. I decided to combine a couple.
Fyfe’s Noel is supposedly an older version than the one many of us know, but William Wallace Fyfe published it in his book “Christmas, its customs and carols,” in 1833. The little intro and outro of my recording are from the melody and chorus of that version, respectively.
The rest of the more familiar melody/text/chorus of my recording are, of course, from the more widely known version, published in Williams Sandys’ book “Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern” in 1833. This particular combination of melody/text seems to have first appeared in the 1800s, while older versions (such as Fyfe’s, possibly?) might date back to the 13th Century!
I turned mine into a bit of a round/canon, because I thought it would be fun. :)
This track is the first of two “bonus” tracks on this EP. I thought it would be nice to include a song for Christmas Day. :)
lyrics
The first Noel an angel sung
The carol of an angel’s tongue
While shepherds watching o’er the night
Heard both the song and saw the light
Heard both the song and saw the light.
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,
In a cold Winter’s night that was so deep.
Chorus:
Noel, noel, noel, noel.
Born is the King of Israel.
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East, beyond them far,
And to the Earth it gave great light,
And so it continued, both day and night. (Chorus)
And by the light of that same Star
Three Wise Men came from country far,
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the Star wherever it went. (Chorus)
This Star drew nigh to the North West;
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest.
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay. (Chorus)
Then enter'd in those Wise Men three,
Full reverently upon their knee,
And offer'd there, in his presence,
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. (Chorus)
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our Heavenly Lord;
That hath made heaven and earth of nought,
And with his blood mankind hath bought.
Noel, noel, noel, noel.
Born is the King of Israel.
Born is the King, the King of Israel.
credits
from Advent 2018,
released December 3, 2018
Vocals: L.D.A.L.
Arrangement: L.D.A.L.
Percussion (jingle bells on a jar): L.D.A.L.
Copyright: L.D.A.L./DeguMoth Studios 2018
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