INFANT HOLY, INFANT LOWLY
Watch "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly" as performed by Brian Stokes Mitchell and The Tabernacle Choir.
MORE ABOUT 'INFANT HOLY, INFANT LOWLY'
Music: Polish Carol
Text: Traditional; English translation by Edith M. Reed
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
Many Polish folk carols focus on the humble circumstances of the holy birth, the presence of farm animals, and the visit by shepherds who, despite their lowly status, were the first to greet the newborn King. This is certainly true of "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly," the 1920 English version of the 14th-century Polish carol W Żłobie Leży, or "In the Manger He Lies". The adapted melody is altered somewhat from its Polish version and the English lyrics – a translated paraphrase of the original poem – were written by Edith M. Reed, an English organist and music editor.
LISTEN TO THE TABERNACLE CHOIR PERFORM 'INFANT HOLY, INFANT LOWLY'
LYRICS
Infant holy,
Infant lowly,
For his bed a cattle stall;
Oxen lowing,
Little knowing
Christ the babe is Lord of all.
Swift are winging,
Angels singing,
Nowells ringing,
Tidings bringing:
Christ the Babe is Lord of all.
Christ the Babe is Lord of all.
Flocks were sleeping,
Shepherds keeping
Vigil till the morning new
Saw the glory,
Heard the story,
Tidings of a gospel true.
Thus rejoicing,
Free from sorrow,
Praises voicing,
Greet the morrow:
Christ the Babe was born for you.
Christ the Babe was born for you.