The Virgin Mary
Roger McGuinn Lyrics


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Virgin Mary had a one son,
Oh, glory hallelujah,
Oh, pretty little baby,
Glory be to the new born King.

"Well, Mary how you call that pretty little baby,
Oh, pretty little baby,
Oh, pretty little baby,
Glory be to the new born King".

"Well, some call Him Jesus, think I'll call Him Savior
Oh, I think I'll call Him Savior
Oh, I think I'll call Him Savior,
Glory be to the new born King".

Riding from the East there came three wise man,
Oh, came three wise man,
Oh, came three wise man,
Glory to be the new born King.

Said, "Follow that star, you'll surely find the baby,
Oh, surely find the baby,
Oh, surely find the baby,
Glory be to the new born King".





Well, the Virgin Mary had a one son,

Overall Meaning

The Virgin Mary is a Christmas song that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The lyrics describe the joy and wonder felt by Mary, the mother of Jesus, after the birth of her son. The opening lines of the song declare Mary's motherhood, as well as the glory and praise that should be directed towards the newborn King. The repetition of "Glory be to the new born King" emphasizes the religious significance of the event, and encourages listeners to share in the celebration of Christ's arrival.


The second verse of the song poses a question to Mary: what will she name her infant son? The repetition of "Oh, pretty little baby" creates a sense of tenderness and intimacy in Mary's relationship with her child. Mary replies that while some may call her son Jesus, she will call him Savior. This line emphasizes that Jesus is not just an ordinary baby, but rather the Savior of humanity.


The third and final verse describes the visit of the three wise men, who were guided to Jesus by a shining star. The wise men recognize the religious significance of Jesus' birth and bring gifts to honor and worship him. The repeated line "Glory to be the new born King" expresses their reverence for Christ and the importance of the occasion.


Overall, The Virgin Mary is a simple yet powerful song that encapsulates the Christian celebration of Christmas. It emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth, and encourages listeners to share in the joy and meaning of the occasion.


Line by Line Meaning

Virgin Mary had a one son
The Virgin Mary gave birth to a son


Oh, glory hallelujah
Praise the Lord


Oh, pretty little baby
The newborn baby is beautiful


Glory be to the new born King.
We should give glory to Jesus Christ, the newborn King


"Well, Mary how you call that pretty little baby,
What name will you give to the newborn baby, Mary?


Oh, pretty little baby,
The newborn baby is beautiful


Oh, pretty little baby,
The newborn baby is beautiful


Glory be to the new born King".
We should give glory to Jesus Christ, the newborn King


"Well, some call Him Jesus, think I'll call Him Savior
Others call the baby Jesus, but I will call Him the Savior


Oh, I think I'll call Him Savior
I have decided to call the baby the Savior


Oh, I think I'll call Him Savior,
I have decided to call the baby the Savior


Glory be to the new born King".
We should give glory to Jesus Christ, the newborn King


Riding from the East there came three wise men,
Three wise men came from the East


Oh, came three wise men,
Three wise men arrived


Oh, came three wise men,
Three wise men arrived


Glory to be the new born King".
We should give glory to Jesus Christ, the newborn King


Said, "Follow that star, you'll surely find the baby,
They advised to follow the star to find the baby


Oh, surely find the baby,
They were confident that they would find the baby


Oh, surely find the baby,
They were confident that they would find the baby


Glory be to the new born King".
We should give glory to Jesus Christ, the newborn King




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TRADITIONAL, ERIK DARLING, FRED HELLERMAN, LEE HAYS, RONNIE GILBERT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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