Traditional Celtic Folk
The First Nowell, the Angel Did Say
[Verse 1]
The first Nowell the Angel did say
Was to three 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
[Refrain]
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel
[Verse 2]
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
[Refrain]
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel
[Verse 3]
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
[Refrain]
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel
[Verse 4]
This Star drew nigh to the North West
O'er Bethlehem it took it's rest
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay
[Refrain]
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel
[Verse 5]
Then did they know assuredly
Within that house, the King did lie
One entered in then for to see
And found the babe in poverty
[Refrain]
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel
[Verse 6]
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
[Refrain]
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel
[Verse 7]
Between an ox stall and an ass
This Child truly there born he was
For want of clothing they did him lay
All in a manger, among the hay
[Refrain]
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel
[Verse 8]
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
[Refrain]
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel
[Verse 9]
If we in our time shall do well
We shall be free from death and Hell
For God hath prepared for us all
A resting place in general
[Refrain]
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel