The First Noel
Earl Singers Brown Lyrics
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The angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds
In fields as they lay
In fields where they lay
A-keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
In the Christmas carol 'The First Noel,' Earl Singers Brown tells the story of how the birth of Jesus was announced to the shepherds by the angels. The song begins with the angel telling the shepherds about the birth of the Savior: "The first Noel, the angel did say, was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay." The shepherds were tending their flocks when the angel appeared to them and proclaimed the good news of the birth of Jesus. The song describes the scene where the shepherds, in awe and wonder, see the bright light and hear the angelic voices singing.
The second verse, "in fields where they lay, a-keeping their sheep, on a cold winter's night that was so deep," sets the scene for the humble beginnings of the Son of God's life on Earth. The shepherds were poor and had nothing to offer, and yet He was born in a manger among them. The chorus repeats "Noel," which means "good news" or "announcement of joy," emphasizing the joy and awe of the shepherds and all who celebrate His birth. Finally, the song concludes with the proclamation, "Born is the King of Israel!"
Line by Line Meaning
The first Noel
The very first announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ
The angel did say
An angel conveyed the message to the shepherds
Was to certain poor shepherds
The message was specifically for a group of lowly shepherds
In fields as they lay
The shepherds were resting in an open meadow
In fields where they lay
The exact location where the shepherds were resting
A-keeping their sheep
The shepherds were watching over their flock of sheep
On a cold winter's night
It was a chilly night during the winter season
That was so deep
It was a time when the darkness of night was at its peak
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
A joyous exclamation of the message that was received
Born is the King of Israel
The announcement that the Messiah, the King of Israel, was born
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Charles Calello
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind