Lute-book Lullaby
Choir of King’s College Cambridge Lyrics

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Sweet was the song the Virgin sang,
When she to Bethlem Juda came
And was delivered of a son,
That blessed Jesus hat to name:

Lulla, lulla, lulla, lullaby,
Lulla, lulla, lulla, lullaby,

′Sweet babe,' sang she, ′my son,
And eke a saviour born,
Who hast vouchsafed from on high
To visit us that were forlorn:

'Lulla, lulla, lulla, lullaby,
Lulla, lulla, lulla, lullaby,

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Lute-book lullaby" by Choir of King’s College Cambridge capture the sweetness and tenderness of the Virgin Mary's song when she arrived in Bethlehem and gave birth to baby Jesus. The song begins by acknowledging the beauty of the Virgin's song, emphasizing its sweetness as she enters Bethlehem's town in Judah. The lyrics then mention her giving birth to a son, whom she names Jesus. This moment is celebrated as a blessed event.

The refrain, "Lulla, lulla, lulla, lullaby," is repeated throughout the song, creating a soothing and comforting atmosphere. The Virgin Mary sings to her son, acknowledging him as both a sweet babe and a savior who has come from above to bring hope and comfort to those who were lost.

Overall, "Lute-book lullaby" reflects on the joy and significance of Jesus' birth, focusing on the love and care of the Virgin Mary for her child. It paints a picture of a peaceful and serene moment, capturing the essence of a lullaby that brings comfort to both mother and child.

Line by Line Meaning

Sweet was the song the Virgin sang,
The song that the Virgin sang was filled with sweetness and beauty.

When she to Bethlem Juda came
When she arrived in Bethlehem, a town in Juda.

And was delivered of a son,
And gave birth to a son.

That blessed Jesus hat to name:
Who was named Jesus, the blessed one.

Lulla, lulla, lulla, lullaby,
Lulla, lulla, lulla, lullaby,

′Sweet babe,' sang she, ′my son,
She sang, 'My son, sweet babe,

And eke a saviour born,
And also a savior was born,

Who hast vouchsafed from on high
Who has graciously come down from above

To visit us that were forlorn:
To visit us who were lonely and without hope:

'Lulla, lulla, lulla, lullaby,
'Lulla, lulla, lulla, lullaby,

Lulla, lulla, lulla, lullaby,
Lulla, lulla, lulla, lullaby,