A virgin most pure, as the prophets do tell,
Hath brought forth a baby, as it hath befell,
To be our Redeemer from death, hell and sin,
Which Adam's transgression hath wrapped us in.
- Aye, and therefore be merry, rejoice and be merry,
Set sorrows aside!
Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
In Bethlehem in Jewry a city there was,
Where Joseph and Mary together did pass,
And there to be taxed with many a one more,
For Caesar commanded the same should be so.
But when they had entered the city so fair,
The number of people so mighty was there
That Joseph and Mary, whose means were but small,
Could find in the inn there no lodging at all.
So they were constrained in a stable to lie,
Where horses and asses they used for to tie;
But this humble lodging they thought it no scorn
And against the next morning our Saviour was born.
The king of all kings to this world being brought,
Small store of fine linen to wrap him was sought;
And when she had swaddled her young son so sweet,
All in an ox's manger she laid him to sleep.
- Aye, and therefore be merry, rejoice and be merry,
Set sorrows aside!
Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
credits
from 52 Folk Songs: white,
released December 5, 2011
Trad arr. Collins/Collins/Wood/Wood/Bellamy (and Edwards)
Phil Edwards: vocals, C whistle, melodica
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