The First Noel
Wolfgang Petry Lyrics


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Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter′s night that was so deep
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night
Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Born is the King of Israel!




Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel

Overall Meaning

The song "The First Noel" tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, as told in the Bible. The angelic choir proclaimed the news of his birth to shepherds keeping watch over their flocks in the fields at night. The shepherds were amazed and traveled to Bethlehem to see the newborn king, guided by a bright star in the sky. The chorus of the song, repeated several times throughout, exclaims, "Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel".


The lyrics are steeped in religious symbolism and are a reminder of the joyous nature of the Christmas season to Christian faithful around the world. The entire song is a testament to the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, highlighting the humble beginnings from which he emerged and the miraculous events that surrounded his arrival.


Line by Line Meaning

Noel, Noel
Celebration, Celebration


The First Noel, the Angels did say
The Angels announced the first Christmas


Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
To poor shepherds lying in fields


In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
They were guarding their sheep in the fields


On a cold winter′s night that was so deep
In a deep, cold winter night


Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Celebration, Celebration, Celebration, Celebration


Born is the King of Israel!
The King of Israel is born


They looked up and saw a star
They saw a star in the sky


Shining in the East beyond them far
Shining far beyond in the East


And to the earth it gave great light
The star shone brightly on the earth


And so it continued both day and night
It shone both day and night


Noel, Noel
Celebration, Celebration


Born is the King of Israel!
The King of Israel is born


Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Celebration, Celebration, Celebration, Celebration


Born is the King of Israel!
The King of Israel is born


Noel, Noel
Celebration, Celebration




Writer(s): Cynthia Newman, Holger Obenaus, Norbert Zucker, Phil Yarden, Pit Löw, Traditional, Wolfgang Petry

Contributed by Owen I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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