Hark! The Herald Banjo Rings
Christmas 2008
December 4
"I Saw Three Ships" is a traditional English carol, appearing in print as early as the 17th century. Like many traditional carols, there are several sets of lyrics and slight variations on the tune. I based my arrangement on the version in the Oxford Book of Carols, which is the version commonly heard today. This carol is also known as "Sunny Bank" or "As I Sat On A Sunny Bank".
I Saw Three Ships
Words: English traditional
Music: English traditional
I saw three ships come sailing in,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
I saw three ships come sailing in,
On Christmas day in the morning.
And what was in those ships all three?
On Christmas day, on Christmas day.
And what was in those ships all three?
On Christmas day in the morning.
Our Saviour Christ and his lady,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
Our Saviour Christ and his lady,
On Christmas day in the morning.
Pray, whither sailed those ships all three?
On Christmas day, on Christmas day.
Pray whither sailed those ships all three?
On Christmas day in the morning.
O, they sailed into Bethlehem.
On Christmas day, on Christmas day.
O, they sailed into Bethlehem.
On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the angels in heaven shall sing,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
And all the angels in heaven shall sing,
On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the souls on earth shall sing.
On Christmas day, on Christmas day.
And all the souls on earth shall sing.
On Christmas day in the morning.
Then let us all rejoice amain!
On Christmas day, on Christmas day.
Then let us all rejoice amain!
On Christmas day in the morning.
Sources and more information
- Oxford Book of Carols, 1964.
- Hymns and Carols of Christmas
- Cyber Hymnal
- Wikipedia