Whilst shepherds watched
Words: paraphrase of Luke 2:8–14 attributed to attributed to Nahum Tate (1652–1715) in A New Version of the Psalms of David (1700 supplement). Tune: "Crowley", perhaps named after the priest and printer Robert Crowley (c.1517–1588). Published by Davies Gilbert (1767–1839) in A Collection of ancient Christmas carols, with the tunes to which they were formerly sung in the West of England, otherwise known as Some Ancient Christmas Carols (1822).
The "While shepherds" lyric, being in Common Metre, is available in who knows how many dozens of settings, and for a long time was famously the only example of what we'd call a "carol" permitted in church, since it is a close scriptural paraphrase, as opposed to some piece of folklore, superstition or revelry. This lovely setting seemingly fell out of fashion some time in the nineteenth century but surely deserves to be revived.
The "While shepherds" lyric, being in Common Metre, is available in who knows how many dozens of settings, and for a long time was famously the only example of what we'd call a "carol" permitted in church, since it is a close scriptural paraphrase, as opposed to some piece of folklore, superstition or revelry. This lovely setting seemingly fell out of fashion some time in the nineteenth century but surely deserves to be revived.
Singers: Katy Lavinia Cooper, Sheena Templeton, Daisy Abbott, Harry Campbell, David Titterington, Rory Haye.
LYRICS
While shepherds watch’d their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground, The angel of the Lord came down, And glory shone all round. "To you in David’s town this day Is born of David’s line A Saviour who is Christ the Lord, And this shall be the sign: Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith Appeared a shining throng Of angels praising God, who thus Addressed their joyful song: |
"Fear not," said he, for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind; "Glad tidings of great joy I bring To you and all mankind." The heav’nly Babe you there shall find To human view displayed, All meanly wrapped in swathing bands, And in a manger laid." "All glory be to God on high And on the earth be peace. Goodwill henceforth from heav’n to men Begin and never cease." |