The Coventry Carol
Westenra Hayley Lyrics

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Lully, lullay
Lully, lullay
Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child
By, by, lully, lullay
Lully, lullay
O sisters, too, how may we do
For to preserve this day?
This poor youngling for whom we do sing

By, by, lully, lullay
Herod the King, in his raging
Charged he hath this day
His men of might, in his own sight
All young children to slay
That woe is me, poor child, for Thee
And ever mourn and day
For Thy parting neither say nor sing
By, by, lully, lullay
Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child
By, by, lully, lullay
By, by, lully, lullay
By, by, lully, lullay

Lully, lullay
Lully, lullay

Overall Meaning

The Coventry Carol is a traditional Christmas carol that tells the tragic story of Herod's slaughter of the innocents. The song opens with the words "Lully, lullay," which refers to a lullaby that a mother sings to her child. The song is performed by a group of women who are lamenting the death of the innocent children. In the song, they ask each other what they can do to protect the child (Jesus) from harm. They then describe the terrible actions of King Herod, who ordered the massacre of all male children under two years old. They express their deep sadness and sorrow for the tiny child and his mother, and vow to never forget the tragedy that has occurred.

The Coventry Carol is unique in that it is a lullaby, but it also contains a dark and disturbing story. The song has been performed in many different styles over the years, ranging from folk to classical to jazz. The melody is haunting and melancholic, perfectly capturing the sadness and grief of the story. The song is typically performed during the Christmas season and is often used to commemorate the lives of innocent children.

Line by Line Meaning

Lully, lullay
Softly, gently

Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child
Softly, gently, little tiny baby

By, by, lully, lullay
Sleep, sleep softly

Lully, lullay
Softly, gently

O sisters, too, how may we do
Oh sisters, what can we do

For to preserve this day?
To ensure the safety of this day

This poor youngling for whom we do sing
This innocent child for whom we sing

By, by, lully, lullay
Sleep, sleep softly

Herod the King, in his raging
King Herod, in his fury

Charged he hath this day
Has commanded on this day

His men of might, in his own sight
His powerful soldiers, in front of him