Once in Royal David's City
Choir of Clare College Cambridge Lyrics
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the lyrics of "Once in Royal David's City" paint a vivid picture of the birth of Jesus Christ and his life on earth. It begins by describing the humble setting of his birth, a lowly cattle shed where Mary, his mother, laid him in a manger. This imagery emphasizes the contrast between the grandeur of his eventual status as the Son of God and his humble beginnings.
The second verse highlights the divine nature of Jesus, describing how he came down from heaven as both God and Lord of all. Despite his exalted position, he finds shelter in a stable and his cradle is a simple stall. This emphasizes his willingness to identify with the poor, the mean, and the lowly. It suggests that Jesus chose to live among ordinary people, sharing in their struggles and experiences.
The third verse focuses on Jesus' childhood and his relationship with Mary, who is described as a lowly maiden. It emphasizes the importance of love, honor, and obedience in the Christian faith, suggesting that children should emulate these qualities just as Jesus did. The image of Jesus being held in Mary's gentle arms further conveys the bond between mother and child and highlights the tenderness of their relationship.
The final verse shifts the focus from the earthly realm to the heavenly one. It suggests that Jesus' true glory and majesty are not found in the humble stable where he was born, but in heaven, where he sits at God's right hand. The reference to his "children crowned" alludes to believers who have embraced his teachings and follow in his footsteps. This imagery of white-robed children awaiting him in heaven evokes a sense of purity, sanctity, and everlasting joy.
Overall, the lyrics of "Once in Royal David's City" provide a narrative of Jesus' birth, his divine nature, his earthly upbringing, and the ultimate promise of salvation in heaven. The song encourages listeners, particularly Christian children, to emulate the virtues of Jesus and await their own heavenly reward.
Line by Line Meaning
Once in royal David's city
In a glorious time in the city of David
Stood a lowly cattle shed
Stood a humble shelter for animals
Where a mother laid her baby
Where a mother gently placed her child
In a manger for his bed
In a feeding trough, serving as his bed
Mary was that mother mild
Mary was the gentle mother
Jesus Christ her little child
Jesus Christ, her young son
He came down to earth from heaven
He descended to earth from the divine realm
Who is God and Lord of all
Who is the divine being and ruler of everything
And his shelter was a stable
And his dwelling place was a humble stable
And his cradle was a stall
And his bed was a simple stall
With the poor and mean and lowly
With the impoverished and humble individuals
Lived on earth our Saviour holy
Our holy Savior lived on Earth
And through all his wondrous childhood
And during his extraordinary childhood
He would honour and obey
He would demonstrate respect and obedience
Love and watch the lowly maiden
Care for and protect the humble young woman
In whose gentle arms he lay
In the tender embrace of whom he rested
Christian children all must be
All Christian children should strive to be
Mild, obedient, good as He
Gentle, compliant, and virtuous like Him
Not in that poor lowly stable
Not within that humble stable
With the oxen standing by
Alongside the presence of oxen
We shall see him; but in heaven
We will behold Him, but in heaven
Set at God's right hand on high
Positioned at God's elevated right side
Where like stars his children crowned
Where his children, adorned like stars
All in white shall wait around
Shall wait in purity and innocence
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Frank McConnell, Henry John Gauntlett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind