Past Three O' Clock
The Chieftains Lyrics


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CHORUS
past three o'clock,
on a cold frosty morn,
past three o'clock,
good morrow masters all.

born is a baby
gentle as may be,
son of the Eternal
Father supernal.

CHORUS

seraph choir singeth,
angel bell ringeth,
hark how they rhyme it,
time it and chime it!





CHORUS

Overall Meaning

The Chieftains' song "Past Three O' Clock" is an old English Christmas carol, dating back to at least the 17th century. It's sung in celebration of the birth of Jesus, with repetitive verses and a lively, celebratory tune. The chorus is repeated throughout the song, with each repetition becoming more joyous and exuberant. The first verse describes the time of day - past three o'clock on a cold, frosty morning - as well as the occasion being celebrated - the birth of a baby, described as "gentle as may be" and the "son of the Eternal/Father supernal," referring to Jesus.


The second verse brings in religious imagery, describing a choir of seraphs and the ringing of angelic bells. The repetition and rhyming of the lyrics create a lively, joyful rhythm that encourages listeners to join in singing and celebrating. Overall, "Past Three O' Clock" is a song that captures the spirit of Christmas - a time of joy and celebration, of birth and new beginnings, and of the hope and promise of a new year.


Line by Line Meaning

past three o'clock,
At a time beyond three in the morning


on a cold frosty morn,
During a frigid and icy morning


past three o'clock,
At a time beyond three in the morning


good morrow masters all.
Greetings to everyone present


born is a baby
A child has just been delivered


gentle as may be,
The child is calm and peaceful


son of the Eternal
The child is offspring of the divine and everlasting power


Father supernal.
The child's father is the divine and celestial power


seraph choir singeth,
A heavenly choir of angels sing


angel bell ringeth,
A bell rung by an angel is heard


hark how they rhyme it,
Listen and hear how they sing in unison


time it and chime it!
They sing in perfect time and harmony


past three o'clock,
At a time beyond three in the morning


on a cold frosty morn,
During a frigid and icy morning


past three o'clock,
At a time beyond three in the morning


good morrow masters all.
Greetings to everyone present




Contributed by Nolan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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tom canterbury


on North Amerikay

the great accapella version by kevin on tribute to their harpist