Lyrics
Jesus our brother, kind and good
Jesus is referred to as a brother, symbolizing a close and familial connection. Described as kind and good, emphasizing positive qualities.
Was humbly born in stable rude
Highlights the humble birth of Jesus in a simple and unadorned stable.
And the friendly beasts around Him stood
Depicts the presence of friendly beasts around Jesus, possibly alluding to the nativity scene with animals witnessing his birth.
Jesus our brother, kind and good
Reiteration of Jesus as a kind and good brother.
"I", said the donkey all shaggy and brown
The donkey speaks, claiming to have carried Jesus' mother to Bethlehem, underscoring its role in the journey.
"I carried His mother up hill and down
Describes the donkey's physical effort in carrying Jesus' mother uphill and downhill.
I carried His mother to Bethlehem town"
Specifies the destination as Bethlehem, adding a geographical context to the journey.
"I", said the donkey all shaggy and brown
Repetition of the donkey's claim and description.
"I", said the cow all white and red
The cow expresses providing its manger for Jesus' bed, portraying a selfless and supportive gesture.
"I gave Him my manger for His bed
Details the cow's contribution of its manger, creating a makeshift crib for the newborn.
I gave Him my hay to pillow His head"
The cow also offered its hay for Jesus' comfort, showcasing generosity and care.
"I", said the cow all white and red
Repetition of the cow's claim and contributions.
"I", said the sheep with curly horn
The sheep with curly horn describes giving wool for Jesus' blanket, illustrating a sacrifice to provide warmth.
"I gave Him my wool for His blanket so warm
Specifies the sheep's wool as a source for Jesus' warm blanket on Christmas morning.
He wore my coat on Christmas morn"
Emphasizes Jesus wearing the sheep's coat on the special occasion of Christmas.
"I", said the sheep with curly horn
Repetition of the sheep's claim and its role in providing warmth.
"I", said the dove from the rafters so high
The dove, positioned high in the rafters, mentions cooing Jesus to sleep to prevent crying.
"I cooed Him to sleep that Hе should not cry
Specifies the dove's comforting role in ensuring Jesus' peaceful sleep.
We cooed Him to sleep, my love and I"
Highlights the collaborative effort of the dove and its partner in soothing Jesus to sleep.
"I", said thе dove from the rafters so high
Repetition of the dove's claim and its role in lulling Jesus to sleep.
Thus every beast, by some good spell
Introduces a generalization that every beast in the stable is glad to share their contribution to Jesus.
In the stable dark was glad to tell
Indicates that each beast has a story to tell about the gift they offered to Immanuel (Jesus).
Of the gift he gave Immanuel
Reiterates the joy and willingness of the beasts in sharing their gifts with Immanuel.
The gift he gave Immanuel
Specifies the nature of the gift each beast gave to Immanuel, emphasizing the personal and meaningful contributions.
Comment