The distinctive sound of Libera has travelled the world in the last few yea… Read Full Bio ↴The distinctive sound of Libera has travelled the world in the last few years. The group's albums have topped both mainstream and classical charts in many countries, and their recordings hold their place in top-tens alongside major artists like Andrea Bocelli.

The boys who make up the vocal band Libera have been described as “normal” and “ordinary.” However, as their recordings and performances demonstrate, the music they produce is truly extraordinary. With shimmering, mystical chords and ecstatic harmonies, they are unlike any other group you have ever heard. These are truly sounds to lift the soul, celestial sounds for a new time.

The singers of Libera, who are aged seven to sixteen, attend many different local schools in South London and come from a variety of backgrounds. Although they are boys and they sing, they do not think of themselves as choirboys, but rather as an alternative kind of boy band.

While the unique sound of Libera may be impossible to pigeonhole, its universal appeal has endeared the group to fans all over the world, particularly in the US, the UK, Korea and Japan, where their CDs top the mainstream and classical charts and where they pack concert halls appearing in their trademark flowing white robes on imaginatively lit stages.

While Shepherds watched their Flocks
Libera Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

While shepherds watched their flocks by night
all seated on the ground
the angel of the Lord came down
and glory shone around

'Fear not,' said he (for mighty dread
had seized their troubled mind)
'glad tidings of great joy I bring

to you and all mankind'

'To you in David's town this day
is born of David's line
a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord
and this shall be the sign'

'The heavenly babe you there shall find
to human view displayed
all meanly wrapped in swathing bands
and in a manger laid'

Thus spake the seraph and forthwith
appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God, who thus
addressed their joyful song

'All glory be to God on high
and on the earth be peace

good will henceforth from heaven to men
begin and never cease'

Overall Meaning

The Libera song "While Shepherds watched their Flocks" is a beautiful interpretation of the classic Christmas carol. The lyrics evoke the image of shepherds who are watching their flocks on a cold winter night, when an angel appears before them. This angel brings them great news, that a "Saviour" has been born in David's town, who is "Christ the Lord". The angel directs them to find the "heavenly babe", who is lying in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes. The song continues with the appearance of a shining throng of angels, who praise God in a joyful song.

The song is a retelling of the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. The shepherds who were tending their flocks were the first to hear the good news of the Saviour's birth. The angels announcing the good news and praising God in chorus is also recorded in the scriptures. The lyrics of the song capture the beauty and wonder of this miraculous event, and the hope and joy that it brings.

The Libera version of "While Shepherds watched their Flocks" is a stunning choral arrangement that blends the voices of the choir with an orchestral accompaniment. The hauntingly beautiful melody of the song, along with the uplifting lyrics, captures the spirit of Christmas and the message of peace and goodwill that is at the heart of the season.

Line by Line Meaning

While shepherds watched their flocks by night
The shepherds were protecting their flock during the night.

all seated on the ground
They were sitting down as they guarded their flock.

the angel of the Lord came down
An angel sent by God appeared to the shepherds.

and glory shone around
The glory of God was shining brightly around the angel.

'Fear not,' said he (for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind)
The shepherds were afraid, so the angel reassured them not to be afraid

'glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind'
The angel was bringing good news of great joy to the shepherds and all people.

'To you in David's town this day is born of David's line a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord and this shall be the sign'
The angel announced that the Savior, who is Christ the Lord, was born in David's town and he will be identified by the sign of a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes.

'The heavenly babe you there shall find to human view displayed all meanly wrapped in swathing bands and in a manger laid'
The shepherds will find the heavenly baby in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Thus spake the seraph and forthwith appeared a shining throng of angels praising God, who thus addressed their joyful song
The seraph spoke and immediately a group of angels appeared, singing a joyful song and praising God.

'All glory be to God on high and on the earth be peace good will henceforth from heaven to men begin and never cease'
The angels gave glory to God and asked for peace on earth. They also prayed for goodwill towards men from Heaven to continue without end.

Writer(s): DAVID WILCOCKS

Contributed by Alexandra M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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