Ancient and Modern ‎#77

77. O sisters too

Refrain:
Lully, lulla,
thou little tiny child,
by by, lully lullay.

1 O sisters too,
how may we do
for to preserve this day
this poor youngling,
for whom we do sing
by by, lully lullay?

2 Herod the king,
in his raging,
charged he hath this day
his men of might,
in his own sight,
all young children to slay.

3 That woe is me,
poor child for thee!
and ever morn and day,
for thy parting
neither say nor sing
by by, lully lullay! [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: O sisters too
• Refrain First Line: Lully, lulla
• Meter: 44 6 D and refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  Matthew 2:13-18
• Topic: Children; Christmas; Church Year: Christmas; Grief; Lament; Other Saints and Festivals: Holy Innocents
• Source: English, 15th century
• Notes: The refrain is sung at the start and after verse 3 only.

Tune Information

• Name: COVENTRY CAROL
• Arranger: Martin Shaw (1875-1958)
• Meter: 44 6 D and refrain
• Key: g minor
• Source: English 15th-century melody (later form)
• Copyright: Arrangement: © Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd, The Tower Building, 11 York Road, London SE1 7NX. Permission applied for.