We Three Kings
Ella Fitzgerald ft. Ralph Carmichael & Orchestra Lyrics

The song "We Three Kings" is a classic Christmas carol that tells the story of the three wise men who traveled to Bethlehem to visit the newborn king, guided by a bright star in the sky. The lyrics of the song describe the journey and the gifts they brought to honor the baby Jesus, as well as the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus would make for humanity.

The first verse of the song introduces the three kings, who are traveling from the Orient with gifts in hand. They traverse fields, fountains, moors, and mountains, following the guiding star that leads them to the place where the king was born. The chorus repeats the idea of the journey and the star, emphasizing the importance of this celestial guide that led the kings from far away lands to their destination.

The second verse focuses on the gifts they brought: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The first king brought gold, which represents the kingship of Jesus and his reign over all people. The second king brought frankincense, which was used in ancient times as a symbol of prayer and worship. The third king brought myrrh, which is a type of perfume made from the resin of a tree, and was used in Jesus' time to prepare bodies for burial. The verse suggests that these gifts represent the kings' recognition of Jesus' divinity and the ultimate sacrifice he would make for humanity.

The final verse of the song describes Jesus as he is presented by the kings. The star that guided them still shines brightly, illuminating the scene as Jesus is glorified as king and sacrifice. The chorus repeats with the addition of "alleluia," a Greek word that means "praise God" and is often used in Christian worship to express gratitude and adoration.