The First Noel
Frank Sinatra and The Gordon Jenkins Orchestra Lyrics
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The angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds
In fields as they lay
In fields where they lay
They were keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night
That was so deep
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
The shepherds looked up
And they saw a bright star
Shining there in the east
Beyond them far
And to the darkened earth
It gave great light
And so it continued
Through day and through night
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
The First Noel by Frank Sinatra is a classic Christmas song that tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ as recounted in the Bible. The song opens with the announcement made by the angels to the poor shepherds in the fields about the arrival of the savior. The use of the phrase "certain poor shepherds" is indicative of the fact that Christ was born to the poorest of the poor, signifying that he came to save everyone regardless of their background. The mention of the cold winter night creates a sense of discomfort and struggle, highlighting the humble beginnings of a king who would change the world.
The second verse builds on the first and provides further insight into the miraculous events surrounding Jesus' birth. The shepherds, after hearing the news from the angels, encounter a bright star shining in the east. The star is a symbol of hope and guidance, leading the way to the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The lyrics, "And to the darkened earth, It gave great light" suggest that the star was an emblem of the light of the world coming to save us from darkness. Overall, the song paints a picture of the Christmas story and serves to emphasize that the arrival of Jesus Christ was a momentous and life-changing event.
Line by Line Meaning
The first Noel
The initial announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ
The angels did say
Angelic voices proclaimed the news
Was to certain poor shepherds
shepherds in need of spiritual enlightenment
In fields as they lay
out in the open fields where they kept their flock
In fields where they lay
In the same fields where their flock grazed
They were keeping their sheep
tending to and guarding their animals
On a cold winter's night
During a chillingly cold night during winter
That was so deep
The night was obscure and difficult to determine the time of day
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
A refrain rejoicing the birth of the King of Israel
Born is the King of Israel
The savior of the world, King of the Jews has been born
The shepherds looked up
The shepherds raised their gaze
And they saw a bright star
They spotted a luminous celestial body
Shining there in the east
Illuminating the eastern direction
Beyond them far
Far beyond the reach of the earthly realm
And to the darkened earth
Over the earthly plane that was enveloped in darkness
It gave great light
Its brilliance was brilliant
And so it continued
The light persisted
Through day and through night
Without interruption, both during the day and night
Lyrics © Tratore, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dominio Publico
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind