Coventry Carol

The Coventry Carol is a Christmas carol dating from the 16th Century. The author is unknown, but the carol was performed in Coventry as part of a play called The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors. The haunting melody was sung by the mothers of Bethlehem to their children, just before King Herod's soldiers entered the scene (for the slaughter). It is notable as a well-known example of a Picardy third.

Lyrics

Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child,

By, by, lully, lullay.

Lullay, Thou little tiny Child,

By, by, lully, lullay.

O sisters too, how may we do,

For to preserve this day.

This poor youngling for whom we sing

By, by, lully, lullay.

Herod the king, in his raging,

Charged he hath this day.

His men of might, in his own sight,

All children young to slay.

That woe is me, poor Child for Thee!

And ever morn and day,

For thy parting neither say nor sing,

By, by, lully, lullay.

External links

• Easybyte - free easy piano music for Coventry Carol