I Saw a Maiden
The Choir And Orchestra Of Clare College Cambridge Lyrics
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On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning
And what was in those ships all three
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
And what was in those ships all three
On Christmas Day in the morning?
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
Mary mild and Christ were there
On Christmas Day in the morning
And all the bells on earth did ring
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
And all the bells on earth did ring
On Christmas Day in the morning
And all the Angels in Heav'n did sing
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
And all the Angels in Heav'n did sing
On Christmas Day in the morning
Then let us all rejoice again
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
Then let us all rejoice again
On Christmas Day in the morning!
The Choir Of Westminster Cathedral's song I Saw Three Ships is a classic Christmas carol that tells the story of three ships sailing in on Christmas Day, bringing with them Mary, Christ, and a sense of joy and celebration. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, evoking a sense of wonder and amazement at the miracle of Christmas.
The song begins with the singer witnessing the arrival of three ships on Christmas Day. The repetition of the phrase "on Christmas Day" emphasizes the significance of this day and sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer then wonders what is in these ships, building anticipation and excitement.
The following stanza reveals that Mary and Christ are present in the ships. The use of the phrase "Mary mild" adds to the gentle, peaceful nature of the scene. The inclusion of Christ, of course, is central to the story of Christmas and ties in with the overall theme of the song.
The final two stanzas describe the world's response to the arrival of the ships. The bells on earth ring and the angels in heaven sing, underscoring the universality and magnitude of the event. The song ends with a call for celebration and rejoicing.
Overall, The Choir Of Westminster Cathedral's song I Saw Three Ships is a beautiful, evocative portrayal of the wonder and joy of Christmas.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw three ships come sailing in
I witnessed the arrival of three ships
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
The day of the arrival was Christmas Day
I saw three ships come sailing in
I witnessed the arrival of three ships
On Christmas Day in the morning
The arrival took place in the morning of Christmas Day
And what was in those ships all three
What were the contents inside all three of those ships?
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
Did this happen on the day of Christmas, on Christmas Day?
And what was in those ships all three
What were the contents inside all three of those ships?
On Christmas Day in the morning?
Did this arrival happen in the morning of Christmas Day?
Mary mild and Christ were there
Mary, who was mild in nature, and Christ were present
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
This presence occurred on the day of Christmas
Mary mild and Christ were there
Mary, who was mild in nature, and Christ were present
On Christmas Day in the morning
This presence occurred in the morning of Christmas Day
And all the bells on earth did ring
All the bells on earth rang in celebration
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
This ringing occurred on the day of Christmas
And all the bells on earth did ring
All the bells on earth rang in celebration
On Christmas Day in the morning
This ringing occurred in the morning of Christmas Day
And all the Angels in Heav'n did sing
All the Angels in Heaven sang in unison
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
This singing occurred on the day of Christmas
And all the Angels in Heav'n did sing
All the Angels in Heaven sang in unison
On Christmas Day in the morning
This singing occurred in the morning of Christmas Day
Then let us all rejoice again
Let us celebrate once more
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
This celebration should take place on Christmas Day
Then let us all rejoice again
Let us celebrate once more
On Christmas Day in the morning!
This celebration should take place in the morning of Christmas Day
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SUFJAN STEVENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind