We Three Kings
Shawn G. Thomas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
[Chorus]
O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.
Frankincense to offer have I,
Incense owns a Deity nigh,
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshiping God on high.
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom,
Sorr'wing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone cold tomb.
Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and sacrifice,
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Sounds through the earth and skies.
The lyrics to "We Three Kings" tell the story of the journey of the three wise men, often referred to as kings, who traveled from the Orient to Bethlehem following a star. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the newborn king. The chorus emphasizes the significance of the star, portraying it as a guiding light that leads them to the perfect light.
The first verse describes the physical journey of the three kings traversing various landscapes such as fields, mountains, and fountains, all while following the star. It is a representation of their dedication and determination to find the newborn king.
The chorus celebrates the star as a wonder and a source of divine light. It highlights the regal beauty of the star and how it continues to lead them westward towards their ultimate destination, guiding them towards the perfect light that is the newborn king.
The second verse focuses on the gifts that each king brings. The first king brings gold, symbolizing the royal and kingly nature of the newborn king. The second king brings frankincense, a valuable resin often associated with worship and the presence of deity. It signifies the recognition of the divine nature of the newborn king. The third king brings myrrh, a bitter perfume associated with mourning, symbolizing the foreshadowing of the death and sacrifice of the newborn king.
The final verse presents a powerful image of the newborn king rising gloriously. He is depicted as both a king and a god, and his ultimate purpose is emphasized as a sacrificial offering. The joyful exclamation of "Alleluia" resounds through the Earth and skies, signifying the celebration of the birth of a new era and the salvation it brings.
Overall, "We Three Kings" is a hymn that not only tells the biblical story of the three wise men but also explores the deeper theological significance of the birth of Jesus.
Line by Line Meaning
We three kings of Orient are,
We, the three kings from the East, are present here.
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Carrying valuable presents, we have traveled a long distance.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
We have journeyed across various landscapes like fields, fountains, moors, and mountains.
Following yonder star.
Our guiding light is the star we follow in the distance.
O star of wonder, star of light,
Oh, marvelous star, radiating brightness and wonder.
Star with royal beauty bright,
The star possesses a regal and splendid beauty.
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Continuing to move towards the west, where the star directs us.
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Lead us towards your flawless and divine light.
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
A King, born in a humble setting in Bethlehem,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
I bring gold as a gift to symbolically crown Him once more.
King forever, ceasing never,
He is an eternal King, never ceasing to reign.
Over us all to reign.
His reign extends over all of us.
Frankincense to offer have I,
I have brought frankincense as an offering.
Incense owns a Deity nigh,
The fragrance of incense signifies the presence of a divine being.
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
We uplift our voices, offering prayers and praises.
Worshiping God on high.
Engaged in worship to the exalted God above.
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
I possess myrrh, known for its bitter fragrance.
Breathes a life of gathering gloom,
It represents a life marked by a growing sense of darkness and sorrow.
Sorr'wing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
A life filled with sorrow, sighs, bleeding, and eventually death.
Sealed in the stone cold tomb.
His body was placed in a tomb, sealed with cold stone.
Glorious now behold Him arise,
Now, witness His glorious resurrection.
King and God and sacrifice,
He is both a King, a God, and a sacrificial offering.
Alleluia, Alleluia,
We joyfully proclaim 'Alleluia!'
Sounds through the earth and skies.
This proclamation resounds throughout the entire world and heavens.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Integrity Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John C. Jr. Hopkins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TALKINGtac0
The way they snuck We Three Kings in there was just exquisite. And who else but Sarah McLachlan to sing that part? Just beautiful.
@williamstyers4264
I don't generally like to hear traditional Christmas music rearranged a great deal, but Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLaclan hit this one out of the park. One of my favorite Christmas songs now.
@terryallan283
+William Styers YUP
@cathlinhess2500
+William Styers - this was recorded many years ago in Detroit, backstage after a concert - they just opened up a jam, and ta da! Pretty awesome :-)
@amandakuhlman3723
YES! I heard this a few years ago for the first time and played it over and over again until my family wanted to strangle me! now I can get my eight year old son to sing parts along with me!
@bwturner1951
+Jack Calvert Ditto!
@tmsmileyful
William Styers
@matttennis
My favorite version of this song. Sarah McLachlan's voice is angelic.
@lillysinghandsweeettailsfa278
Me too
@bobbyb7979
Me three!