We Three Kings
The Caroleer Singers & Orchestra Lyrics
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O when they saw the star they rejoiced with great joy
O when they saw the star they rejoiced with great joy
They rejoiced with exceeding great joy !
(Great joy, great joy)
O'er mountains and valleys it led them each night
A star of most radiant light (radiant light)
And so the wise Men rejoiced as they journeyed afar
O when they saw the star they rejoiced with great joy
When they saw the star they rejoiced with great joy
When they saw the star they rejoiced with great joy
They rejoiced with exceeding great joy
(Great joy, great joy)
The star shone bright giving wondrous light
It led those three Kings to a holy child
O when they saw the star they rejoiced with great joy
When they saw the star they rejoiced with great joy
When they saw the star they rejoiced with great joy
They rejoiced with exceeding great joy
They rejoiced with exceeding great joy
(Great joy, great joy)
We three kings of orient are
(When they saw the star)
Bearing gifts we travelled afar
(We rejoiced with great joy)
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
(When they saw the star)
Following (following yonder star)
Rejoiced with exceeding great joy
O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect Light
Noel, noel, noel, noel
Born is the King of Israel
When they saw the star, O when they saw the star
O when they saw the star
O when they saw the star they rejoiced with great joy
When they saw the star they rejoiced with great joy
When they saw the star they rejoiced with great joy
The rejoiced with exceeding great
Joy, joy, joy, joy, joy, joy, joy, joy
Joy
"We Three Kings" is a classic Christmas carol that describes the journey of the three wise men who followed the star to Bethlehem to witness the birth of Jesus Christ. The lyrics evoke the sense of wonder that these learned men experienced upon seeing the star that guided them towards the newborn king. The refrain "O when they saw the star they rejoiced with great joy" emphasizes the magnitude of the wise men's excitement, suggesting that their joy was so great that they could not express it in words. The repetition of this phrase further emphasizes their unbridled joy and the sense of awe that accompanied them on their journey.
The imagery in the verses beautifully illustrates the journey, describing how the star led the wise men over mountains and valleys to the place where the baby Jesus lay. The star is depicted as a radiant light, shining so brightly that its unmistakable, divine nature was impossible to ignore. The verses also mention the gifts that the wise men presented to the newborn child, solidifying the narrative of the wise men's journey and their purpose in traveling such great distances.
Overall, "We Three Kings" is a touching and uplifting song that embodies the spirit of Christmas. It focuses on the wise men's journey, emphasizing their awe and wonder at witnessing the birth of Jesus, using poetic and vivid imagery to describe their journey and the sights they encountered along the way. The repetition of the refrain underscores the emotion and excitement that accompany the story, reminding listeners of the sheer joy that the wise men felt upon finding the newborn king.
Line by Line Meaning
O when they saw the star they rejoiced with great joy
Upon seeing the star, they were overjoyed.
They rejoiced with exceeding great joy !
Their joy was immeasurable.
O'er mountains and valleys it led them each night
The star guided them through rugged terrain every night.
A star of most radiant light
The star was brilliantly bright.
And so the wise Men rejoiced as they journeyed afar
The wise men were filled with joy as they traveled a long distance.
To behold such a beautiful star
They were grateful to witness such a stunning sight.
The star shone bright giving wondrous light
The star was luminous and awe-inspiring.
It led those three Kings to a holy child
The star guided the kings to a sacred baby.
We three kings of orient are (When they saw the star)
The three kings from the East saw the star.
Bearing gifts we travelled afar (We rejoiced with great joy)
They traveled a long distance while rejoicing and carrying gifts.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain (When they saw the star)
They crossed various landscapes, but when they saw the star, their joy was renewed.
Following (following yonder star)
They followed the star.
Rejoiced with exceeding great joy
Their joy was immeasurable.
O star of wonder, star of night
The star was a wondrous sight at night.
Star with royal beauty bright
The star was decorated with kingly radiance.
Westward leading, still proceeding
The star continued to guide the kings westward.
Guide us to thy perfect Light
They asked the star to lead them to the perfect light.
Noel, noel, noel, noel
A welcoming chant, expressing joy and celebration.
Born is the King of Israel
A proclamation that the King of Israel was born.
The rejoiced with exceeding great Joy, joy, joy, joy, joy, joy, joy, joy Joy
Their joy was so great that they expressed it through repetition and exclamation.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Derric Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind