Story Behind the Song
Tatam Nate, who wrote this classic Christmas hymn, along with his friend, Nicholas Brady, were pioneers in church music. At the end of the seventeenth century the Church of England was still using an age-old psalter compiled in 1562. Tate and Brady published a new version of it in 1692 with more modern language. Eventually this psalter became the standard for both England and America. In 1700 Tate and Brady published a supplement of sixteen new hymns to go with the psalms in the psalter. This Christmas hymn was part of that collection.
When coming up with and instrumental arrangement to the piece I was looking for a light and airy feel and the classical guitar fit it well. An airy piano along with a dainty flute and easy-going cello compliment this mood. We pray that you are filled with the joy of Christmas while appreciating the miracle of Christs birth as you listen to this song.
Lyrics
While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around,
And glory shown around.
Fear not! said he for mighty dread,
Had seized their troubled mind;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
To you and all mankind,
To you and all mankind.
To you in Davids town this day
Is born, of Davids line,
The Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign,
And this shall be the sign;
The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapt in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid,
And in a manger laid.
All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from heaven to men,
Begin and never cease!
Begin and never cease!
Arrangement Copyright © 2000 Don Wigton
A free chord chart to this song is available at the Wigtune Home Page @ http://userzweb.lightspeed.net/wigton/wigtune.htm
|
lo fi play
hi fi play
download
email track to a friend
add to My.MP3
buy it!