The first Nowell the Angel did sayWas to three poor Shepherds in the fields as they lay;In fields where they lay keeping their sheepIn 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 StarShining 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 wherever it went. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel.
This Star drew nigh to the North West,O'er Bethlehem it took its rest,And there it did both stop and stayRight over the place where Jesus lay. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel.
Then did they know assuredlyWithin the house the King did lie:One entered in then for to see,And found the Babe in poverty. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel.
Then enter'd in those Wise Men threeMost reverently upon their knee,And offer'd there in his presence,Both gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel.
Between an ox stall and an ass,This Child truly there born he was;For want of clothing they did him layAll in the manger, among the hay. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel.
Then let us all with one accordSing praises to our heavenly Lord,That hath made heaven and earth of nought,And with his blood mankind hath bought. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel.
If we in our time shall do well,We shall be free from death and Hell,For God hath prepared for us allA resting place in general. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel.
