Lyrics brought to you by Segnbora-t
Christmas carol, attributed by my songbook as a "Besançon melody" (Besançon is a town in
France). Several
English versions of the words exist.
Shepherds, shake off your drowsy sleep!
Rise and leave your silly sheep!
Angels in heaven all are singing;
Tidings of great joy are bringing!
Shepherds, go see what angels tell;
Sing noel, oh, sing noel!
This is the beauty of God's peace:
Death's dominion now shall cease!
Prophets foretold the wondrous story
Of this heaven-born Prince of Glory!
Shepherds, go see what angels tell;
Sing noel, oh, sing noel!
Do not put off, do not delay!
Find the babe this very day!
He is the hope of every nation;
All in him shall find salvation!
Shepherds, go see what angels tell;
Sing noel, oh, sing noel!
Alternate translation:
Shepherds, shake off your drowsy sleep,
Rise and leave your silly sheep,
Angels from heav'n around loud singing,
Tidings of great joy are bringing.
Shepherds, the chorus come and swell,
Sing noel, O sing noel!
Hark! Even now the bells ring 'round,
Listen to their merry sound;
Hark how the birds new songs are making,
As if winter's chains were breaking,
Shepherds, the chorus come and swell,
Sing noel, O sing noel!
See how the flow'rs all burst anew,
Thinking snow is summer dew,
See how the stars afresh are glowing,
All their brightest beams bestowing.
Shepherds, the chorus come and swell,
Sing noel, O sing noel!
Cometh at length the age of peace,
Strife and sorrow now shall cease;
Prophets foretold the wondrous story
Of this heav'n-born Prince of Glory.
Shepherds, the chorus come and swell,
Sing noel, O sing noel!
Shepherds, then up and quick away,
Seek the Babe ere break of day,
He is the hope of every nation,
All in Him shall find salvation.
Shepherds, the chorus come and swell,
Sing noel, O sing noel!