Traditional
The First Nowell
The first Nowell the angel 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
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel
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
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel
And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from country far
To seek for a king was their intent
And to follow the star wheresoever it went
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel
The star drew nigh to the north-west
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel