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A Star in the East
Harry Belafonte Lyrics


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There's a star in the east on Christmas morn
Rise up shepherd and follow
It'll lead to the place where the Savior born
Rise up shepherd and follow

Leave your ewes and leave your lambs
Rise up shepherd and follow
Leave your sheep and leave your rams
Rise up shepherd and follow

Rise up shepherd and follow
Follow the Star of Bethlehem
Rise up shepherd and follow
If you take good heed to the Savior's words

Rise up shepherd and follow
You'll forget your flocks,
You'll forget your herds
Rise up shepherd and follow

Leave your ewes and leave your lambs
Rise up shepherd and follow
Leave your sheep and leave your rams
Rise up shepherd and follow

Rise up shepherd and follow
Follow the Star of Bethlehem

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Harry Belafonte's "A Star in the East" song talk about the birth of Jesus Christ and the story of the shepherds being summoned to come and see him. The song starts with the singer talking about a star that has risen in the east on Christmas morning. This star is believed to be the guiding star that led the wise men to Jesus. The shepherds are then called upon to follow the star as it'll lead them to the place where the savior is born.


As the song progresses, the shepherds are instructed to leave behind their animals and follow the star to Bethlehem. The singer then talks about how if they pay heed to the savior's words, they'll forget their flocks and herds. This is in reference to the idea that the birth of Jesus marks a significant turning point in history, where people are called to 'follow' him and change their ways.


The song conveys the idea of the importance of following the guiding light even when the way seems dark, and the hardships that one may face when leaving behind the things they once knew to follow a new path. Overall, "A Star in the East" is a beautiful celebration of the story of Jesus' birth, inspiring listeners to reflect on the importance of following faith, regardless of the difficulties that may arise.


Line by Line Meaning

There's a star in the east on Christmas morn
On the morning of Christmas, a star has appeared in the east


Rise up shepherd and follow
Shepherds, stand up and follow the star


It'll lead to the place where the Savior born
The star will guide you to the place where the Savior was born


Leave your ewes and leave your lambs
Abandon your female and male sheep


Leave your sheep and leave your rams
Leave behind all your sheep and male sheep


Follow the Star of Bethlehem
Go after the special star that appeared over Bethlehem


If you take good heed to the Savior's words
If you intently listen to the words of the Savior


You'll forget your flocks,
You'll abandon your group of animals


You'll forget your herds
You'll leave behind your herd of animals




Lyrics © NEXT DECADE ENTERTAINMENT,INC., BMG Rights Management
Written by: CARTER, MILTON OKUN, ROBERT DECORMIER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

Frederique Roberge


on Angelina

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