In the late '60s and early '70s, Baez came into her songwriting own, penning many songs (most notably "Diamonds & Rust," a nostalgic piece about her ill-fated romance with Bob Dylan, and "Sweet Sir Galahad," a song about sister Mimi Fariña's ( of Richard & Mimi Fariña fame) second marriage, and continued to meld her songcraft with topical issues. She was outspoken in her disapproval of the Vietnam war and later the CIA-backed coups in many Latin American countries.
She was also instrumental in the Civil Rights movement, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King on many occassions and being jailed for her beliefs. In 1963, her performance of "We Shall Overcome" at the Lincoln Memorial just prior to Dr. King's famous "I Have A Dream..." speech helped confirm the song as the Civil Rights anthem.
In December 1972, she traveled to Hanoi, North Vietnam, and was caught in that country's "Christmas Campaign," in which the U.S. bombed the city more times than any other during the entire war. While pregnant with her only son, Gabriel, she performed a handful of songs in the middle of the night on day one of the 1969 Woodstock festival. She is considered the "Queen of Folk" for being at the forefront of the 1960s folk revival and inspiring generations of female folksingers that followed. Over fifty years after she first began singing publicly in 1958, Joan Baez continues to tour, demonstrate in favor of human rights and nonviolence, and release albums for a world of devoted fans.
1959
The First Noel
Joan Baez Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
And to the earth 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!
This star drew nigh to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both Pause and stay
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Then entered in those Wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee
And offered there in His presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of ought
And with his blood mankind has bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
The First Noël is a classic Christmas carol that tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The song begins with the announcement of the angels to the shepherds that a savior has been born in Bethlehem, and the shepherds then journey to see him. The second verse of the song speaks of the star that appeared in the east, which guided the wise men to the manger where Jesus lay. The third verse describes the arrival of the wise men and their offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The song is a celebration of the birth of Christ, and the importance of the story is that it reminds us of the meaning behind the holiday. It allows us to reflect on the origins of Christmas and the significance of Christ's birth. The repeated use of the word "Noël" adds a joyful and celebratory element to the song.
Overall, The First Noël is a beautiful and timeless Christmas carol that captures the essence of the holiday season by telling the story of the birth of Jesus and spreading a message of hope and joy to all.
Line by Line Meaning
The First Noel, the Angels did say
The angels proclaimed the first Noel
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
The angels shared the good news with the poor shepherds who were resting in the fields
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
The shepherds were in the fields at night, taking care of their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
It was a very cold and dark winter night
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Noel was the message that the angels delivered, and it is repeated here in celebration
Born is the King of Israel!
The birth of the King of Israel, Jesus, had come to pass
They looked up and saw a star
The shepherds looked up and discovered a shining star
Shining in the East beyond them far
The star was located in the East and was a long way off
And to the earth it gave great light
The star shone so brightly that it illuminated the earth
And so it continued both day and night.
The star remained bright both day and night
And by the light of that same star
The three Wise Men saw the star too and followed its light to find the infant Jesus
Three Wise men came from country far
The three Wise Men traveled from a distant land
To seek for a King was their intent
The Wise Men were searching for a King
And to follow the star wherever it went.
They decided to follow the star and allow it to guide them to the King
This star drew nigh to the northwest
The star moved closer until it was located in the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
The star stopped moving and rested over Bethlehem
And there it did both Pause and stay
The star stopped completely and remained still
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.
The star was directly above the place where Jesus was born
Then entered in those Wise men three
The Wise Men arrived at the location where Jesus was born
Full reverently upon their knee
They knelt down and showed great respect and honor for the newborn King
And offered there in His presence
They presented gifts to Jesus in person
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
The Wise Men gave Jesus valuable gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense
Then let us all with one accord
Let us all join together in harmony
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
Let us celebrate and worship our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of ought
God created Heaven and earth from nothing
And with his blood mankind has bought.
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross redeemed mankind from sin and death
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Noel is still the message that the angels delivered, and it is repeated here in celebration
Born is the King of Israel!
The birth of the King of Israel, Jesus, is celebrated once again
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Integrity Music, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Guitarplayer DONALD
Beautifully crafted video ❤🔮👍🙏🌲☃️
Thanks Gary
Gary Larson
Hi Guitarplayer DONALD. Thanks for the nice comment. I really like the singers and songs or I wouldn't enjoy making these videos as much as I do. The talent of the singers and musicians and people in general behind creating the songs makes things easy and they really always carry the day. I try to add something to the enjoyment and hope I sometimes succeed. Take care,