The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #13856   Message #116590
Posted By: KathWestra
22-Sep-99 - 05:49 PM
Thread Name: Help: Folk Songs with Christmas connections
Subject: Lyr Add: BURGUNDIAN CAROL^^^
Just for the record, though, I Wonder As I Wander is not traditional, from here or England. It was written by John Jacob Niles.

Another couple of lovely ones, though not English, are the Burgundian Carol and the Star Carol. Pete Seeger recorded the Burgundian Carol, which has a gorgeous modal melody. The words:

The Winter Season of the year
When to this earth our Lord was born
The ox and donkey, so they say
Did keep his holy presence warm.

1st Chorus:
How many oxen and donkeys now
If they were there when first he came
How many oxen and donkeys you know
At such a time would do the same?

And when unto these humble beasts
Our Lord appeared so mild and sweet,
With joy they knelt before his grace,
And gently kissed his tiny feet.

2nd chorus:
How many oxen and donkeys now
Dressed in ermine, silks, and such
How many oxen and donkeys you know
At such a time would do as much?

The Star Carol is the title song of Folk Legacy's 'Twas On A Night Like This," and has a lovely Italian melody perfect for harmonizing in thirds. See Sandy Paton's message earlier in this thread to get a copy. Being a Folk-Legacy recording, you'll also get a handy-dandy booklet with the words.