The First Noel
Bob Dylan (Holiday) Lyrics


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The First Noel
The angel did say
Was to certain
Poor shepherds
In fields as they lay
In fields where they may
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 East
Beyond them far
And to the Earth
It gave great light
And so it continued
Both day and night
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel

This by the light
Of that same star
Three wise man came
From country far
To seek a king
Was there intent
And to follow the star
Wherever it went
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel




Born is the King of Israel
Noel

Overall Meaning

The First Noel is a song that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, as told in the Bible. The lyrics tell the story of the shepherds and wise men who were led by a star to the place where Jesus was born. The song begins with an angel announcing the good tidings of Jesus' birth to the shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks at night. The lyrics beautifully describe the scene of the shepherds in the fields, and the cold winter's night that was so deep. The word "Noel" is repeated throughout the song, and means "good news" or "Christmas" in French, emphasizing the importance of the birth of Jesus Christ.


The second verse of the song talks about the star that the shepherds and wise men followed to find the baby Jesus. The star shone brightly in the East and illuminated the entire earth, giving hope and joy to all those who saw it. The third verse describes the wise men who came from a distant land to honor and worship the new king who had been born. They followed the star, which led them to where Jesus was, and they presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.


Overall, The First Noel is a song that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, and how people from all walks of life came together to recognize and honor the new king who had been born. The lyrics are simple, yet powerful, and have been sung by generations of people around the world during the Christmas season.


Line by Line Meaning

The angel did say
The announcement was made by an angel


Was to certain
It was only for a specific group


Poor shepherds
Who were humble and unimportant


In fields as they lay
Sleeping outside in nature


In fields where they may
In a place where they could take their sheep to graze


Keeping their sheep
Taking care of their animals


On a cold winter's night
During a harsh and unforgiving season


That was so deep
With snow and darkness


Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
An exclamation of joy and celebration


Born is the King of Israel
A new king has been born


They looked up
They became aware of something above them


And saw a star
A bright shining celestial body was visible


Shining in the East
In the direction of the sunrise


Beyond them far
In a distant location


And to the Earth
It illuminated the land


It gave great light
Provided a source of brightness


And so it continued
The star kept shining


Both day and night
Without stopping


This by the light
The movement of the wise men was guided by


Of that same star
The one that shone in the sky


Three wise man came
A group of knowledgeable individuals traveled


From country far
From a distant place


To seek a king
In pursuit of royalty


Was there intent
It was their purpose


And to follow the star
By tracking the path of the celestial body


Wherever it went
No matter where it led


Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
A continued expression of joy and celebration


Born is the King of Israel
A new king has indeed been born




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Traditional

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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