The First Nowell

Herman van Veen

The First Nowell Herman van Veen

1a Verse:
The first Nowell 
the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds 
in fields as they lay,

1b Verse:
in fields where they 
lay keeping their sheep,
on a cold winter’s night 
that was so deep.

Chorus:
Nowell, Nowell, 
Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.

2a Verse:
They looked up 
and saw a star
shining in the east 
beyond them far;

2b Verse:
and to the earth 
it gave great light,
and so it continued 
both day and night. 

Chorus:
Nowell, Nowell, 
Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.

3a verse:
And by the light 
of that same star
three wise men came 
from country far;

3b Verse:
to seek for a king 
was their intent,
and to follow the star 
wheresoever it went

Chorus:
Nowell, Nowell, 
Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.

4a Verse:
This star drew nigh 
to the northwest;
over Bethlehem 
it took its rest,

4b Verse:
and there it 
did both stop and stay,
right over the place 
where Jesus lay. 

Chorus:
Nowell, Nowell, 
Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.