In Bethlehem city

In Bethlehem city, in Judaea, it was
That Joseph and Mary together did pass
All for to be taxèd when thither they came,
For Caesar Augustus commanded the same.

Chorus:
Then let us be merry, cast sorrow away,
Our Saviour Christ Jesus was born on this day.

But Mary's full time being come, as we find,
She brought forth her firstborn to save all mankind;
The inn being full, for the heavenly guest
No place could she find for to lay him to rest.
Chorus:

Blest Mary, blest Mary, so meek and so mild,
All wrapped up in swathing this heavenly child.
Contented she laid Him where oxen do feed;
The great God of nature approved of the deed.
Chorus:

To teach us humility all this was done,
To teach us from hence haughty pride for to shun;
The manger His cradle who came from above,
The great God of mercy, of peace, and of love.
Chorus:

Then presently after the shepherds did spy
Vast numbers of angels did stand in the sky,
So merry were talking, so sweetly did sing:
"All glory and praise to the heavenly King!"
Chorus:

Words and music traditional, from the singing of Mrs Wilson, near King's Langley, Hertfordshire.
Music arranged by Paul McDowell © 1992.

Music may not be reproduced without permission from the copyright owner.