The Coventry Carol
Christine Drescher-Jones & Richard Jones Lyrics

"The Coventry Carol" is a hauntingly beautiful Christmas carol that tells the tragic story of King Herod's cruel order to kill all young children in Bethlehem in an attempt to eliminate the newborn Jesus, whom he sees as a threat to his rule. The lyrics are filled with sorrow and lamentation for the innocent lives lost.

The song begins with the soothing repetition of "Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child" and "By by, lully lullay," which serve as a lullaby to the child at the center of the story. The tender and delicate tone reflects the love and care of those singing, acknowledging the innocence of the young child threatened by Herod's wrath.

The next verse introduces a group of sisters who are grappling with the question of how they can protect this child and preserve the significance of this day. They are deeply concerned and troubled by the fate of this poor youngling, for whom they are singing. The repetition of "By by, lully lullay" reinforces the sense of sadness and bereavement.

The focus then shifts to King Herod, described as "In his raging," emphasizing his angry and ruthless nature. He unleashes his men of might to carry out his command to slay all young children. The brutality of this act is highlighted by the phrase "All young children to slay." The lyrics express the despair and grief surrounding this tragic event, emphasizing the immensity of the loss.

The final verse expresses the singer's personal anguish for the child, lamenting, "That woe is me. Poor child for thee!" The repetition of "By by, lully lullay" takes on a more mournful tone, conveying a sense of farewell or parting. The singer mourns the fact that they can no longer say or sing for this child, as their life has been so cruelly cut short. Overall, the lyrics of "The Coventry Carol" evoke a somber reflection on the tragedy of innocent lives lost and the profound impact of violence and oppression on the world.