The First Noel
Salzburg Children's Choir Lyrics


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The First Noel, the Angels did say
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!
Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel

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
Born is the King of Israel!

Overall Meaning

The First Noel, a popular Christmas Carol, tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ as described in the Gospel of Luke. The opening lines of the song describe how the angels appeared to a group of shepherds in the fields and announced the birth of the savior. The shepherds hurried off to Bethlehem to find the baby lying in a manger.


The song offers vivid imagery of the scene, painting a picture of a cold winter's night with stars shining brightly, and the shepherds watching over their flocks. The chorus of "Noel, Noel" celebrates the arrival of the King of Israel and is repeated throughout the song. The words "Noel" and "Nowell" are derived from the French word "Noël" which means Christmas.


The song also references the Star of Bethlehem, which according to the Biblical account, led the Wise Men to Bethlehem. The star shone brilliantly in the sky, illuminating the path to the newborn king. The final verse of the song echoes the chorus, proclaiming that the King of Israel has been born. The song conveys a message of hope and faith, reminding people of the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ and the spirit of Christmas.


Line by Line Meaning

The First Noel, the Angels did say
The Angels proclaimed the birth of our Savior as the first Noel


Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
The proclamation was given to humble shepherds while they watched their sheep at night


In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
The shepherds were keeping their sheep in the open fields


On a cold winter's night that was so deep
It was a cold, dark, and silent winter night


Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
The chorus sings Noel, which means born is the King of Israel


Born is the King of Israel!
The King of Israel has been born and is being celebrated


Noel, Noel
The chorus joyfully repeats that the King has been born


They looked up and saw a star
The shepherds saw a bright star in the sky


Shining in the East beyond them far
It was shining brightly in the East, far away from them


And to the earth it gave great light
The star illuminated the earth with a great light


And so it continued both day and night
The star shone constantly both day and night


Born is the King
The King has been born and is being celebrated with great joy


Born is the King of Israel!
The King of Israel has been born and is being celebrated




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TRAD, Eric Lee Wyse

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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