I Saw Three Ships
Christmas Carols Lyrics
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On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
I saw three ships come sailing in,
On Christmas Day in the morning.
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?
Mary mild and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Mary mild and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day in the morning.
And all the bells on earth did ring,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the bells on earth did ring,
On Christmas Day in the morning.
And all the Angels in Heav'n did sing,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the Angels in Heav'n did sing,
On Christmas Day in the morning.
Then let us all rejoice again,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Then let us all rejoice again,
On Christmas Day in the morning!
"I Saw Three Ships" is a traditional English Christmas carol believed to date back to the 17th century. The lyrics of the song describe the sighting of three ships on Christmas Day in the morning and the passengers on board those ships. As per the song, those three ships arrived on Christmas Day, and the singer describes the scene and what he saw inside the three ships.
The first two verses of the carol describe the sighting of three ships coming into port on Christmas day. The third verse is about the passengers of the ships, who are Mary Mild and Christ, signifying the nativity of Jesus Christ. The fourth verse describes the celebration happening on earth, with all the bells ringing in unison with the angels in heaven singing.
The last two lines of the song invite everyone to join in the celebration and expresses the need for everyone to rejoice and be glad in the spirit of Christmas.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw three ships come sailing in, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
I witnessed three ships arriving on Christmas Day.
I saw three ships come sailing in, On Christmas Day in the morning.
I witnessed three ships arriving early in the morning on Christmas Day.
And what was in those ships all three, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
What was the cargo of all three ships on Christmas Day?
And what was in those ships all three, On Christmas Day in the morning?
What did all three ships carry early in the morning on Christmas Day?
Mary mild and Christ were there, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Mary and Jesus were present on Christmas Day.
Mary mild and Christ were there, On Christmas Day in the morning.
Mary and Jesus were there early in the morning on Christmas Day.
And all the bells on earth did ring, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
All the bells on earth rang on Christmas Day.
And all the bells on earth did ring, On Christmas Day in the morning.
All the bells on earth rang early in the morning on Christmas Day.
And all the Angels in Heav'n did sing, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
All the angels in heaven sang on Christmas Day.
And all the Angels in Heav'n did sing, On Christmas Day in the morning.
All the angels in heaven sang early in the morning on Christmas Day.
Then let us all rejoice again, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Let us rejoice once more on Christmas Day.
Then let us all rejoice again, On Christmas Day in the morning!
Let us rejoice once more early in the morning on Christmas Day.
Contributed by Brody W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Becky Agler
I’m singing this on my Christmas concert 🎤
Adel Gilmour
I was singing this song at my school I love this song
Neruda cherry 34
I love this song is totally forgot about this song until a few minutes ago
Ricky Blemman
really good song
marsh
My school needs to sing this song, so I'm reviewing it to get prepared. :)
Aemilia Carol PhoneTube
Perfect song for may
Megan Vos
Is there a karaoke track for it like some of your others? I really would love one.
James Benton Ticer
Megan Vos ...I second that. and third and fourth it as well.
Samo Ashegh
realy good song
Baby Girl
Reminds me of over 60 years.