Lyrics
Now it came to pass in those days
Introduction to the historical context of the events
There went out a decree
Decree issued by Caesar Augustus
From Caesar Augustus on his throne
Caesar Augustus issuing the decree from his throne
That all the world should be enrolled
Decree mandates the enrollment of all people worldwide
So Joseph took Mary by the balls
Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem
And from Nazareth they went
Action of Joseph taking Mary to Bethlehem
To the city of Bethlehem
Destination of the journey - the city of Bethlehem
For registration and taxing, right on then
Purpose of the journey: registration and taxing
The bastard child was born
Reference to the birth of Jesus as a bastard child
Long before winter’s call
Jesus' birth occurring well before the onset of winter
The bastard child was born
Reiteration of the early birth of the child
Long before winter’s call
-And it came to pass, while they were there
Events unfolding while Joseph and Mary are in Bethlehem
That she was great with child
Mary's pregnancy progressing during their stay in Bethlehem
Lived in a stable ‘til it was done
Description of Mary giving birth in a stable
She brought forth her bastard son
Mary giving birth to her child, referred to as a bastard son
And as the shepherds in the field
Introduction of shepherds in the field
Were keeping watch over their flocks at night
Shepherds watching over their flocks at night
An angel of the lord
An angel delivering a message to the shepherds
Said unto them a saviour has been born
The announcement of the birth of a savior
The bastard child was born
Reiteration of the early birth of the child
Long before winter’s call
Emphasis on the untimely birth of the child
The bastard child was born
Reiteration of the early birth of the child
Long before winter’s call
-Repeat chorus
Repetition of the chorus for emphasis
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