In 1958, Ben Nelson joined a doo wop group, The Five Crowns. Later that same year, The Drifters' manager fired the members of the group and replaced them with The Five Crowns, who had performed several engagements with The Drifters. He co-wrote the first hit by the new version of The Drifters, "There Goes My Baby" (1959). He also sang lead, using his birth name, on "Save the Last Dance for Me," a song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, "Dance With Me," "This Magic Moment," "I Count the Tears," and other The Drifters hits.
In 1960 he left the group after failing to gain a salary increase and a fairer share of the group's royalties. At this point he assumed the more memorable stage name Ben E. King in preparation for a solo career. Remaining on Atlantic, King scored his first solo hit with the stylish, Latin-tinged ballad "Spanish Harlem" (1961). "Stand by Me" was his next recording. "Stand by Me", written by King along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller was voted one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America. "Stand by Me" and "Spanish Harlem" were named as two of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and were both also given a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.
King's records continued to place well on the pop charts until 1963, when British pop bands began to dominate the popular music scene. His hits after 1963 were "What is Soul?" (1967), "Supernatural Thing, part 1" (1975), and the re-issue in 1986 of "Stand by Me" following the song's use as the theme music to the movie of the same name.
The First Noel
Ben E. King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the the East, beyond them far;
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
This star drew night to the northwest,
O'er Bethlehem it took 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.
The lyrics to Ben E. King's version of the traditional Christmas carol "The First Noel" narrate the biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The first verse describes the angel's proclamation of Jesus' birth to a group of shepherds who were tending their sheep in the fields. These shepherds were humble and considered poor in society. The mention of the cold winter's night emphasizes the stark contrast between the shepherds' humble circumstances and the significance of the event they were about to witness.
The repetition of the word "Noel" throughout the song is a traditional French word used in Christmas carols to announce the birth of Jesus. Here, it not only adds a musical element but also signifies the joy and celebration surrounding the event. It serves as a reminder that Jesus was born as the King of Israel, implying his divine nature and the fulfillment of prophecies.
The second verse speaks of the shepherds' awe-inspiring experience as they witness a bright and shining star in the East. The star is described as being far away but still providing great illumination to the earth. This celestial phenomenon symbolizes the heavenly sign that guided the wise men, or Magi, who would later visit Jesus. The brilliance of the star represents hope and direction during a time of darkness.
Moving into the third verse, the star is said to have traveled northwest until it reached Bethlehem, where it halted directly above the location where Jesus lay. This specific location signifies the birthplace of Jesus, who would go on to become the King of Israel. The star's stopping and staying above Jesus' birthplace further highlights the divine nature of his birth and signifies a moment of divine intervention. It is a sign to all who witnessed it and a confirmation that the long-awaited Messiah had arrived.
Overall, Ben E. King's rendition of "The First Noel" captures the essence of the biblical story of Jesus' birth. It emphasizes the humble circumstances in which the good news was revealed to the shepherds, the divine guidance provided by the star, and the auspicious event of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. The lyrics portray a sense of wonder, joy, and reverence for the everlasting impact of this important moment in history.
Line by Line Meaning
The first Noel, the angel did say
The initial proclamation of the good news, an angel declared
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
Given to specific humble shepherds while they rested in the fields
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
In the fields where they were tending their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep
During a deep, wintery night filled with cold
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
A joyful exclamation of the good news
Born is the King of Israel
The King of Israel has been born
They looked up and saw a star
They gazed upwards and witnessed a shining star
Shining in the East, beyond them far
Illuminating the Eastern horizon, far away from their location
And to the earth it gave great light
The star emitted a brilliant light towards the earth
And so it continued both day and night
Constantly shining both during the day and night
This star drew night to the northwest
The star moved towards the northwest direction
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
It settled and found its place over Bethlehem
And there it did both stop and stay
It ceased its movement and remained stationary
Right over the place where Jesus lay
Directly above the location where Jesus was lying
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
A joyful exclamation of the good news
Born is the King of Israel
The King of Israel has been born
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Charles Calello
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind