The First Noel
Patty Loveless (Holiday) Lyrics
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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
Shining in the East, beyond them far
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
The star drew nigh to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did, both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay
Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
(Last time) Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
The song tells the story of the first Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ. The first verse describes how an angel appeared to shepherds who were watching over their flocks in fields, announcing the good news of the Savior's birth. The second verse tells of a star that the shepherds saw and followed, which led them to the place where Jesus had been born. The chorus repeats the word "Noel," which means Christmas or the birth of Christ, and declares that He is the King of Israel.
The song takes us back in time to the humble beginning of Christianity, where God chose to announce the birth of the Savior to the lowliest and lowest-ranking members of society. This shows the grace and humility of Jesus, who would spend His ministry on earth caring for the poor and the marginalized. Additionally, the song emphasizes the importance of the star in guiding the shepherds to Jesus. The star represents hope, light, and guidance, and provides a symbol of faith and devotion for believers.
Line by Line Meaning
The first Noel, the angel did say
According to the angel's announcement on the first Christmas night...
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
...it was delivered specifically to poor shepherds who were spending their night in the fields...
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
...the shepherds were keeping an eye on their sheep while the angel appeared...
On a cold winter's night that was so deep
...it was an extremely cold and deep winter night...
Noel, Noel
...the joyful Christmas message of the angel is echoed and celebrated with the word 'Noel'...
Noel, Noel
...the good news is so great that it deserves to be celebrated again and again with the word 'Noel'...
Born is the King of Israel
...the long-awaited and prophesied King of the Jews has been born...
They looked up and saw a star
The shepherds then looked up and saw a star...
Shining in the East, beyond them far
...the star was shining brightly in the eastern direction which was far beyond their location...
And to the earth, it gave great light
...the star emitted such great light that it illuminated the entire earth...
And so it continued both day and night
...the star shone continuously day and night without any break...
The star drew nigh to the northwest
The star then moved towards the northwest...
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
...and came to a stop directly above the town of Bethlehem...
And there it did, both stop and stay
...the star remained in the same spot without any movement...
Right over the place where Jesus lay
...and it was directly above the exact location where the newborn baby Jesus was resting...
Noel, Noel
...the glorious message of the star's illumination and its divine signifigance this Christmas is celebrated once again with the word 'Noel'...
Noel, Noel
...the great and joyful moment is celebrated once more with the word 'Noel'.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: AVRIEL KAPLAN, BEN BRAM, KEVIN OLUSOLA, SCOTT HOYING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind