Little Donkey
The Beverly Sisters Lyrics
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On the dusty road
Got to keep on plodding onwards
With your precious load.
Been a long time, little donkey
Through the winter's night
Don't give up now, little donkey
Bethlehem's in sight.
Bethlehem, Bethlehem
Follow that star tonight
Bethlehem, Bethlehem.
Little donkey, little donkey
Had a heavy day
Little donkey
Carry Mary safely on her way.
Little donkey, little donkey
On the dusty road
There are wise men waiting for a
Sign to bring them here.
Do not falter, little donkey
There's a star ahead
It will guide you, little donkey
To a cattle shed.
Ring out those bells tonight
Bethlehem, Bethlehem
Follow that star tonight
Bethlehem, Bethlehem.
The Beverly Sisters' song "Little Donkey" narrates the tale of the little donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem, where she eventually gave birth to baby Jesus. The donkey is portrayed as tired and weary, yet determined to complete his task regardless of the harsh weather and dust on the road. The lyrics urge the donkey to keep moving forward, as Bethlehem is just ahead, and they must not falter in their journey. The song emphasizes the importance of Mary and the baby she carries, and the reference to wise men waiting for a sign to bring them to Bethlehem adds to the anticipation of the crucial moment of the nativity.
The song's chorus, "Ring out those bells tonight, Bethlehem, Bethlehem, Follow that star tonight, Bethlehem, Bethlehem," highlights the significance of the town of Bethlehem, and the star that guided the wise men on their journey to witness the birth of the Messiah. The song's lyrics are inspiring and portrays the beauty of Christmas and the significance of the nativity scene.
Line by Line Meaning
Little donkey, little donkey
The song is addressed to a donkey carrying a precious load.
On the dusty road
The journey is long and the road is difficult.
Got to keep on plodding onwards
The donkey must persevere and continue moving forward.
With your precious load.
The donkey is carrying something very important.
Been a long time, little donkey
The journey has been going on for a while.
Through the winter's night
The nights have been long and cold.
Don't give up now, little donkey
The donkey must keep going despite the challenges.
Bethlehem's in sight.
The destination is close.
Ring out those bells tonight
The bells of Bethlehem are announcing the arrival of something special.
Bethlehem, Bethlehem
The town where something significant is happening.
Follow that star tonight
The star will lead the way to Bethlehem.
Little donkey, little donkey
The song repeats the donkey's importance.
Had a heavy day
The donkey has already had a tiring day.
Little donkey
The song reminds us of the donkey's size and vulnerability.
Carry Mary safely on her way.
The donkey's mission is to transport Mary safely.
On the dusty road
The journey continues on.
There are wise men waiting for a
The wise men are waiting for something significant to happen.
Sign to bring them here.
They are expecting a sign to guide them to their destination.
Do not falter, little donkey
The donkey is encouraged to keep going, even when it's difficult.
There's a star ahead
The star is a guiding light for the donkey and the wise men.
It will guide you, little donkey
The star will be the donkey's guide to the destination.
To a cattle shed.
The final destination is a humble location, not a grand palace.
Ring out those bells tonight
The announcement of something special continues.
Bethlehem, Bethlehem
The destination is still the same.
Follow that star tonight
The song reminds us that the star is still guiding the way.
Contributed by Adalyn S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Voltaire-dv8cs
I was born in 1958 and this was the earliest song I can remember hearing - Pure Nostalgia.
@susandavies3123
I always loved this when I.was a child. Loved the Beverley sisters. Pure nostalgic memories
@margaretcundall9637
I remember the Beverly sisters well..
this certainly takes me back...very nostalgic of happier times...
@safire4real
This song is so beautiful!!
@sallietaylor8503
My twin sister and I still sing this song like these ladies.
@Gwladys1878
Upload your video! :)
@PaulO-gx2bn
I can vouch for that! xx
@sallietaylor8503
Gwladys, the chance would be a nice thing.
@sallietaylor8503
Paul thank you very much brother.
@janeough45
sallie we sing this so lovely ,i prefere our version ,love and miss you ,olso our dear brother paul xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx