ORPHIC ENDEAVORS

Coventry Carol

What began as a "quick project" to have something to fill in space at CNET turned into many hours work.

Here's the result: The Coventry Carol.

I had a plan years ago to make a Christmas album, only I never finished it. (Like quite a lot of my half-done projects.) I did "Carol of the Bells" first because it's my favorite Christmas carol, then I did "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" because I happen to have the sheet music. (Minus the last note. What the heck's up with that? I wasn't as internet savvy as I am now and I didn't think to go look it up online, so I guessed the note and er... I think I guessed wrong!) Anyway, I now know better and not only do I get sheet music, I also do research if I'm not happy with the result. Doing research on "The Coventry Carol" opened my eyes to the sadness of the song. For years I have loved the tune, but I don't think I've ever heard the lyrics sung and probably with good reason. It's a very sad tale about King Herod and the slaughter of the innocents. I had no idea. Here are the lyrics: (found at Hymns and Carols of Christmas)

1. Lullay, Thou little tiny Child,
By, by, lully, lullay.
Lullay, Thou little tiny Child.
By, by, lully, lullay.

2. O sisters, too, how may we do,
For to preserve this day;
This poor Youngling for whom we sing,
By, by, lully, lullay.

3. Herod the King, in his raging,
Charged he hath this day;
His men of might, in his own sight,
All children young, to slay.

4. Then woe is me, poor Child, for Thee,
And ever mourn and say;
For Thy parting, nor say nor sing,
By, by, lully, lullay.

Editor's Note:

In some versions, the following lines are substituted for the first verse, and are repeated at the ending of the carol:

Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child,
By by, lully lullay.

So, I decided to make the tune a little sad and dark, which, of course, fits right in with my style of music anyway. I hope you enjoy it.

Again, here's The Coventry Carol.

Thanks for downloading and listening!
-Bonnie