The First Noel
Commodores Lyrics


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

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

And by the light of that same star,
Three wise men came
From country far;
To seek for a King
Was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,




Born is the King of Israel.
Born is the King of Israel.

Overall Meaning

The song "First Noel" by Commodores is a popular and classic Christmas carol that tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The song begins with the repetition of the word "Noel," which means Christmas in French. The first verse speaks about the message of an angel to a group of poor shepherds, announcing the birth of the King of Israel, referring to Jesus. The scene is set in a cold winter night, with the shepherds watching over their sheep in the fields.


In the second verse, the shepherds witness a bright star in the sky that leads them to the baby Jesus. The star shines both day and night, indicating the divine and eternal nature of Jesus. The final verse mentions the wise men who come from a distant land to seek the King, guided by the same star. The chorus repeats the message that the King of Israel has been born.


The song "First Noel" has a beautiful and simple melody that is easy to sing along and is often performed by choirs during Christmas. The lyrics are powerful as they tell the story of the origins of Christianity and remind us of the importance of Christmas as a celebration of the birth of Jesus, the King of Israel.


Line by Line Meaning

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
The refrain of the song, expressing joy and celebration of the birth of the King of Israel.


Born is the King of Israel
The reason for the celebration - the birth of the King of Israel.


The first Noel, the angel did say
The angel announced the birth of the King to the poor shepherds in the fields, marking the first Noel.


Was to certain poor shepherds
The announcement was made specifically to poor shepherds, showing that the King brings hope and salvation to all people regardless of social status.


In fields as they lay
The shepherds were resting in fields, illustrating the humble and ordinary circumstances of the King's birth.


In fields where they Lay keeping their sheep
The shepherds were tending to their sheep while the announcement was made, emphasizing their humble profession.


On a cold winter's night that was so deep
The timing of the announcement further emphasized the humble circumstances of the King's birth, as it occurred in the midst of a cold, dark winter night.


Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
The refrain of the song, repeated to reinforce the message of celebration and joy.


Born is the King of Israel
The reason for the celebration, repeated to reinforce the message that the King has been born.


They looked up
The shepherds directed their attention to the source of the light.


And saw a star
The source of the light was a star, indicating that the birth of the King was a significant event that even the heavens acknowledged.


Shining in the East beyond them far
The star was located in the East and its light was visible from a far distance, further emphasizing the significance of the King's birth.


And to the earth it it gave great light
The star shone brightly upon the earth, illuminating the way towards the King.


And so it continued both day and night
The star continued to shine both day and night, again emphasizing the magnitude of the King's birth.


Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
The refrain of the song, repeated to remind us of the reason for the celebration.


Born is the King of Israel.
The reason for the celebration, repeated to reinforce that the King has indeed been born.


And by the light of that same star,
The star again plays a significant role, guiding three wise men from a far country towards the King.


Three wise men came from country far;
The wise men, representing the world outside of Israel, recognized the significance of the King's birth and journeyed from afar to pay homage.


To seek for a King was their intent,
The wise men were in search of the King, indicating that the birth of the King had far-reaching implications beyond Israel.


And to follow the star wherever it went.
The wise men were led by the star to the King, further illustrating the importance of the star in guiding people towards the King.


Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
The refrain of the song, repeated one last time to conclude the celebration of the King's birth.


Born is the King of Israel.
The final statement, emphasizing that the King of Israel has indeed been born.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Charles Calello

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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