Coventry Carol
A Lullaby's Tale of Tragedy and Hope
Lyrics
Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child
Expressing a lullaby to a tiny child.
By by, lully, lullay, thou little tiny child
Repetition of the lullaby sentiment.
By by, lully lullay
Continuation of the lullaby theme.
O sisters too, how may we do
Addressing sisters, questioning how to act.
For to preserve this day
Asking for guidance to protect this day.
This poor youngling
Referring to a poor young child.
For whom we do sing
Expressing the purpose of singing for the child.
By by, lully lullay?
Repetition of the lullaby sentiment.
Herod, the king
Introducing King Herod.
In his raging
Describing Herod's intense anger or fury.
Charg'd he hath this day
Stating Herod's command or order on this day.
His men of might
Referring to Herod's powerful soldiers.
In his own sight,
Highlighting that this occurred in Herod's presence.
All young children to slay
Herod's order to kill all young children.
That woe is me
Expressing sorrow or lamentation for the child.
Poor child for thee!
Expressing grief for the unfortunate child.
And ever morn and day,
Continued mourning every morning and day.
For thy parting
Expressing sadness for the child's departure.
Neither say nor sing
Deciding not to speak or sing about the departure.
By by, lully lullay!
Repetition of the lullaby sentiment.
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