Wexford Carol
Year: 1200
Written By: Unknown
'The Wexford Carol' is a traditional and
religious Irish Christmas carol that dates back to the 12th
century. Taking its narrative from the birth of Jesus, 'The Wexford
Carol' also has an alternate title 'Good People All This Christmas
Time', the text of which appears in the opening passages of the
tune.
The Wexford Carol' is thought to be one of the
oldest Christmas carols in existence as it dates back to the
13th century. The composer and organist from St. Aidan's
Catherdral, Enniscorthy, Wexford William Grattan Ford is credited
with giving the carol a new lease of life in the 19th
century. So much so that 'The Wexford Carol' began appearing in
manuscripts containing popular carols all over the world including
the Oxford Book of Carols.
Tradition had it that 'The Wexford Carol' could
only be sung by males but this rule has relaxed considerably. It's
popularity has remained high to the present day and many famous
artists have recorded it for their Christmas releases. The most
well known Irish artists to cover the song have been The
Chieftains, Moya Brennan and Celtic Woman. Artists from further
afield to take the carol on include Julie Andrews, Michael McDonald
and Alison Krauss. Almost all renditions have embodied the original
thrust of the piece which is thoughtful, contemplative and deeply
atmospheric.
Wexford Carol Lyrics
Good people all, this Christmas time,
Consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done,
In sending His belovèd Son.
With Mary holy we should pray
To God with love this Christmas Day;
In Bethlehem upon the morn
There was a blest Messiah born.
The night before that happy tide
The noble virgin and her guide
Were long time seeking up and down
To find a lodging in the town.
But mark how all things came to pass:
From every door repelled, alas!
As long foretold, their refuge all
Was but a humble oxen stall.
Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep
Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep;
To whom God's angels did appear
Which put the shepherds in great fear.
"Prepare and go", the angels said,
"To Bethlehem, be not afraid;
For there you'll find, this happy morn,
A princely Babe, sweet Jesus born."
With thankful heart and joyful mind,
The shepherds went the babe to find,
And as God's angel has foretold,
They did our Savior Christ behold.
Within a manger He was laid,
And by His side the virgin maid
Attending to the Lord of Life,
Who came on earth to end all strife.
Wexford Carol Christmas Videos (Click to Play)
Rate Different Artist Versions of Wexford Carol
| Artist Name | Current Rating | Your Rating | Preview |
|---|
| Alison Krauss | | | |
| Celtic Woman | | | |
| The Chieftains | | | |
| Julie Andrews | | | |
| Andreas Vollenweider | | | |
| Jon Schmidt | | | |
| Maggie Sansone | | | |
| Mormon Tabernacle Choir | | | |
| Nightnoise | | | |
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