WHEN THE SHEPHERDS SAW THE LIGHT

Lyrics: David Warner
French Carol
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

This processional is based on an old Provençal noël, “Allons bergers, allons, tous.” But even before it was a Christmas carol, this renaissance dance tune had already been used as a tavern song, a political chant, and in musical plays. 

It became a noël with an explicitly Christmas text only in the 17th or early 18th century, and was then adapted to several different noël lyrics. These French noëls are a subgenre of Christmas carols that focus on the New Testament account of the Annunciation to the Shepherds. By using vernacular dialects in the lyrics and joyful dance rhythms in the melodies, these carols emphasize, customize, and update the humble, rural contexts of the Nativity. 

In this new arrangement by Mack Wilberg, David Warner’s lyrics retain the original noël’s pastoral themes while expounding on the narrative and emotional power of all Christmas stories.

When the shepherds saw the light
Round the angels winging down,
Did they know that hope
    would rise
From the manger and the Crown?

(Chorus)
For the Holy Child was born!
Strike the drum and sound
    the horn!
Sing and dance for joy,
Ev’ry girl and boy,
For the King came to bring you
His endless glory—
Story after story!

When the wisemen saw the rays
From the star a-streaming down,
Did they know that peace
    would rise
From the manger and the Crown?

(Chorus)
When the oxen saw the glow
From the Child extending round,
Did they know goodwill would rise
From the manger and the Crown?

Sing and dance for joy,
Ev’ry girl and boy,
For the King came to bring you
His endless glory—
Story after story!
Sing, sing,
For Christ the King!