ROCKING CAROL

Traditional Czech Carol
Lyrics: David Warner
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
 

Cradle-rocking as a Christmas tradition has been common in Central Europe since medieval times. This traditional Czech rocking carol was first published in 1920 under the title “Hajej, Nynej,” and was loosely translated into English in 1928. 

The melody’s opening bears some resemblance to another popular lullaby, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” which may have contributed to this carol’s popularity in English-speaking countries. But it was in 1965, when Julie Andrews popularized this “Rocking Carol” on a Christmas album, that the “Rocking Carol” became much more widely known. This arrangement by Mack Wilberg was written especially for The Tabernacle Choir’s 'Season of Light' Christmas concert.

Little Jesus, rest Thy head, close 
Thine eyes
Here beneath Thy starry skies.
Here we rock Thee, rock Thee, rock Thee,
Here we rock Thee, rock Thee, rock Thee.

We, with angels, hover near;
Sleep, dear Jesus, 
slumber here.
Mary’s pure and Holy Son, 
from above,
Here we tender Thee our love,
Here we rock Thee, rock Thee, 
rock Thee,

Here we rock Thee, rock Thee, 
rock Thee.
We beside Thy cradle sing praise 
for Thee, 
Our Savior, King.
Praise for Thee, our Savior, King,
Savior, King.