Emanuel (William Billings)

From ChoralWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Music files

L E G E N D Disclaimer How to download
ICON SOURCE
Network.png Web Page
File details.gif File details
Question.gif Help
  • (Posted 2000-11-27)  CPDL #01685:  Network.png
Editor: Christopher R. Baker (submitted 2000-11-27).   Copyright: CC BY 1.0
Edition notes:

General Information

Title: Emanuel
Composer: William Billings

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB
Genre: SacredCarol

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1781 in The Psalm-Singer's Amusement
Description: 

External websites:

Original text and translations

English.png English text

1. As shepherds in darkness were guarding their sheep,
Promiscuously seated estranged from sleep;
An angel from heaven presented to view,
And thus he accosted the trembling few.
Dispel all your sorrows, and banish your fears;
For Jesus your savior this day does appear.
Dispel all your sorrows, and banish your fears;
for Jesus your savior this day does appear.

2. Tho' Adam the first in rebellion was found,
Forbidden to tarry on hallowed ground;
Yet Adam the second appears to retrieve,
The loss you sustained by the Devil & Eve.
Then shepherds b e tranquil this instant a rise,
Go visit your Savior & see where He lies.
Then shepherds be tranquil this instant arise,
Go visit your Savior & see where He lies.

3. A token I leave you where by you may find,
This heavenly stranger this friend to mankind;
A manger's His cradle a stall his abode,
The oxen are near him and blow on your God.
Then shepherds be humble, be meek and lie low
For Jesus, your Savior's abundantly so.
Then shepherds be humble, be meek and like low
For Jesus your Savior's abundantly so.

4. This wonderous story fierce cool'd on the Ear,
When thousands of angels in glory appear;
They join in the concert & this was the theme
All glory to God & good will towards men.
Then shepherd strike injoin your voice to the choir
And catch a few sparks of celes tial fire.
Then shepherd strike injoin your voice to the choir
And catch a few sparks of cecles tial fire.

5. Hosanna! The angels in ecstasy cry.
Hosanna! The wonde ring shepherds reply;
Salvation, redemption are centered in one,
All glory to God for the birth of his Son.
Then shepherds adieu we commend you to God,
Go visit the Son in his humble abode.
Then shepherds adieu we commend you to God,
Go visit the Son in his humble abode.

6. To Bethlehem city the shepherds repaired.
For full confirmation of what they had heard;
They enter'd the stable with aspect so mild,
And there they beheld the Mother & Child.
Then make proclamation divulge it a broad,
That gentle and simple may hear of the Lord.
Then make proclamation divulge it abroad,
That gentle and simple may hear of the Lord.