Subject: RE: Tune Req: songs about the magi From: The Og Date: 19 Dec 23 - 11:22 AM Excellent song...! (I'm sure chords will be transferred incorrectly...good luck) Nothing but a Child (E…C position on 6) Steve Earle (1988) C Dm G7 Once upon a time, in a far off land, They chased a brand new star, ever to the west, All around the world, in every little town, Dm G7 F G7 C Wise men saw a sign, set out a- cross the sand. Across the mountains far, and when they came to rest. Every day is heard, a precious little sound. Dm G7 Songs of praise to sing, they traveled day and night, They could scarce believe their eyes; they’d come so many miles, And every mother kind, and every father proud, Dm G7 F G7 C Precious gifts to bring, guided by the light. This miracle they prized, was nothing but a child …chorus Looks down in awe to find, a- nother chance al- lowed …chorus F G7 C (Em) Am Nothing but a child, to wash those tears away, F G7 F G7 C And guide a weary world, into the light of day. F G7 C (Em) Am Nothing but a child, to help erase those miles, F G7 F G7 C So once again we all, can be children for a while. …slower F G7 F G7 C Tag: Nothing but a little baby. . . nothing but a child. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: songs about the magi From: GUEST Date: 16 Dec 23 - 01:41 AM I’m still wondering about “at the break of day…” |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: songs about the magi From: GUEST Date: 16 Dec 23 - 01:41 AM I’m still wondering about “at the break of day…” |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: songs about the magi From: FreddyHeadey Date: 16 Jan 23 - 09:03 PM There's no music you could take from this to turn into a song but it's a lovely programme if youre interested. The Journey of the Magi - Radio Ulster - 2022 W. R. Rodgers re-imagined the Christmas story of the wise men and their visit to Bethlehem in a broadcast poem for BBC radio in 1948. He describes their ‘zigzag’ journey through the seasons of the year with all of its changing moods and places and their quest in search of meaning – something that he says they found in ‘the child within themselves’ and just at that moment when all hope seemed lost. Belfast-based composer Paul Campbell has written a new piece of music to accompany W.R. Rodgers’ poem about the Magi. Composed as a special commission to mark the BBC’s centenary, his work blends words and music in fresh combination and reflects the inventiveness of the poem’s original broadcast. His score was written over several months in mid-2022 and was performed for this recording by the Ulster Orchestra in Belfast. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001ghlt |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: songs about the magi From: GUEST Date: 09 Jan 23 - 07:40 PM At break of day, as I went on my way I saw three kings and they were eastern sages At break of day, as I went on my way I saw three kings in all their grand array. And first of all came the guards so tall Then men at arms and their 30 little pages And first of all came the guards so tall Then men at arms and all their pages small. Sorry, made a mistake with the earlier one (4 Jan). I think this must be the one Liz the Squeak remembers (we sang it at school too). These words match those of the French carol very well. It was sung to the tune of March of the Kings - I should think 'borrowed' by Bizet from the folk of Provence. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: songs about the magi From: Monique Date: 06 Jan 23 - 06:14 PM We have one in Spanish on Mama Lisa's World. It's from Argentina and they sent it for us to post on our site in 2007 when they wrote, recorded and released it. It's a kid's song called "Gaspar, Melchor y Baltasar" by "La Banda del Musiquero Loco". You'll find the lyrics, a translation and a recording. We didn't include a sheet music since it's © material and they were nice enough to "lend" it to us for free. About "La marcho di Réi" that Bizet made famous by including the theme in his Arlésienne, you can find the original Provençal lyrics with an English translation (non singable) on Traditional music from County of Nice website. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: songs about the magi From: Steve Gardham Date: 06 Jan 23 - 03:13 PM 'I saw three ships go sailing by' is said to be about the transferral of the skulls of the the three kings from the Holy land to Cologne, way back when, but they were out of their skulls by then! The story goes they were blown off course and had to take shelter in the Humber. I'll get me coat! |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: songs about the magi From: leeneia Date: 05 Jan 23 - 11:44 AM Thank you for those lyrics, Guest. ====== On Saturday, Dec 31st, we had another Three Kings party in the afternoon, so everybody was safe at home before the madness began. It's been traditional to have the party on Jan 1 (National Pointless Day), but on Jan 1 our football team was playing its chief rivals. Three Kings songs we did: We Three Kings of Orient Are (gotta have that one) Songs of Thanksfulness and Praise (make it sound baroque) Personent Hodie (get out the drums) All these tunes have more than one part, and we project them on a wall. For Personent Hodie I set the electric piano on oboe, and the sound fit right in, sounding medieval. In addition we did some cantigas to keep the minor spirit going and to use more drums. We had a great time. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: songs about the magi From: GUEST Date: 04 Jan 23 - 07:30 PM At break of day, as I went on my way I saw three kings and they were eastern sages At break of day, as I went on my way I saw three kings and they were sages all And first of all came the guards so tall Then men at arms and their 30 little pages And first of all came the guards so tall Then men at arms and all their pages small. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: songs about the magi From: leeneia Date: 07 Nov 16 - 11:16 PM I found the first verse at Mudcat thread 3449398: Late at night, upon the great highway I saw three kings of the East come riding. In the sky there shone a starry ray To guide these kings upon their eager way. While noble courtiers went on before And gold and priceless treasures bore The slaves and warriors with shield and spear Dispelled the dangers that hovered near. ======== It's a good start, but then what happened? |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: songs about the magi From: leeneia Date: 07 Nov 16 - 10:46 PM I know what you mean, Dawn. I too sang that in grade school, and I can only remember half of it. If it's any comfort, here is a set of words which use the same tune: http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/march_of_the_kings.htm Monique kindly supplied that link. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: songs about the magi From: GUEST,Dawn Date: 07 Nov 16 - 02:30 PM I knew this song in school as well and I am trying to find it.I can add a bit more: Late one night Upon the great highway I saw 3 Kings of the East Come riding In the sky There shone a starry ray To guide these kings upon Their eager way While noble warriors with shields and spears, Dispelled the dangers that hovered near If anyone knows he song this is from...I'd love to hear from you. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: GUEST Date: 14 Oct 15 - 11:17 AM One fine day I met grand array of three great kings upon their journey going-- One fine day I met a grand array of three great kings upon their noble way-- Their jewels bright in the morning light, The great procession was a noble sight. WHAT IS THE REST OF IT? |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: FreddyHeadey Date: 01 Apr 15 - 08:46 PM re " At break of day " and the Bizet tune and Singing Together. It seems to be an 18thC French song attributed to Joseph Domergue with various translations. Even different versions in French Someone has written about it here oldfatherchristmas Well there are many threads on Singing together .,.. mudcat.might be worth checking if anyone might have a paper copy? Other links French French YouTube |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: GUEST,Al Date: 01 Apr 15 - 05:59 PM I know it's been a while since the last comment on this thread but I too have been looking for a full set of lyrics to 'At break of day', a song I remember from primary school in the late fifties. One line that sticks in my memory is 'in all their grand array'. Can anyone add to this, please? |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: GUEST,leeneia Date: 08 Jan 14 - 10:32 AM HI, poverello. I love it too. Last Sunday we had another great 3 Kings party. I now realize that the 3 Kings party is a good way for adults to celebrate. We had middle eastern food, we brought our instruments, we sang together, and those who don't usually play music were invited to pick up a drum. What middle eastern food? hummus and baba ganoog from the corner store. also pita bread my simple version of sumac chicken. bake in oven, keep warm in slow cooker olives mixed vegetables. stir sage into butter. add to veggies. serve in slow cooker Christmas cookies stollen We usually have the non-players play games of their choice (Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, dominoes), but this year they didn't even open the boxes. It was more important to them to socialize and to sing. We had two recorders one harp one mandocello two guitars three percussionists It was a mistake to make jpeg's of the music and to project it on the wall. Apparently the scanning software was bumfoozled by the lines and spaces of the music, and the images were not clear. Next year, we will hook the projector up to the big old desktop and project the actual NWC files. We didn't have any church ministers this year, but in the past some have been invited, and they love it. A party where they can just be a guest and relax! |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: GUEST,poverello Date: 07 Jan 14 - 07:10 PM Shows how important astrology was in the ancient world. I love Advent/Christmas/New Year/Epiphany and the whole thing. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: GUEST Date: 06 Jan 14 - 08:41 PM There's an old question about the star opens a wealth of other questions. Firstly, the change BC/AD to BCE/CE. That's because Herod died in 4BC - but if he ordered the newborn killed, then Jesus was born in 4BC or earlier. Secondly, we know from the Romans when Quirinius was Governor of Syria, and why a census was held: it was in 6AD, when the Romans fired Herod Archelaus for incompetence and took over Judea. Sounds like the lad's Bar-Mitzvah, Luke's got it wrong (again), so his birth's 7 or 6BC. As it happens, the Chinese reported a supernova in July 7BCE... So why Dec 25th? It's JC's fault - Julius Caesar, that is. He wanted his calendar running from Mar 25th, and that was the year-end, Lady Day, until they corrected his Calendar in 1754. He chose it for the Equinox, so the Solstice fell on Dec 25, and indeed that was certainly the case in 79CE, per Pliny the Elder, who stayed up to measure it. Of course, it's 21st now, just shows we lost another 4 days along the road. Didn't end there, when they dropped 11 days from the calendar to get the Gregorian system working, the City rioted because they didn't want to pay their taxes early, and so the tax year got put back to April 5th. So, we celebrate Winter Solstice, on the wrong day, in the wrong month, in the wrong year. The only good thing is that it gives you plenty of time to practice, and have a sporting chance of a barbie to celebrate. That is, if the Horned Dancers don't get you... |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: GUEST,Bludnok Date: 06 Jan 14 - 04:33 PM PS. For U.S. readers I'm English and Leyton orient is a U.K. soccer team.Man U short for Manchester United. Happy Epiphany all |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: GUEST,Bludnok Date: 06 Jan 14 - 04:28 PM There is my own take on We Three Kings. Written by me at age 8 (ahem cough cough) years ago. We Three Kings of Leyton Orient are, Bearing footballs gathered afar. Fish-and-chip shop and fountain, manhole and mountain Following yon Vauxhall car, Ohh-hh, Car of wonder, Car of night Car with Royal beauty bright, Stadium leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect floodlight happy days. I'm a Man U fan (for my sins at the moment)so Leyton Orient is just poetic licence. Heh |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: GUEST,Bliudnok Date: 06 Jan 14 - 03:00 PM The hymn (further to my post 7 Jan 2012 As with gladness men of old) As with gladness men of old Did the guiding star behold As with joy they hailed it's light Leading onward, beaming bright So most gracious God may we Evermore be led by Thee As with joyful steps they sped To that lowly manger bed There to bend the knee before Him whom heav'n and earth adore So may we with willing feet Ever seek Thy mercy seat As they offered gifts most rare At that manger rude and bare So may we with holy joy Pure and free from sin's alloy All our costliest treasures bring Christ to Thee, our heav'nly King Holy Jesus ev'ry day Keep us in the narrow way And when earthly things are past Bring our ransomed souls at last Where they need no star to guide Where no clouds Thy glory hide |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: Haruo Date: 14 Dec 12 - 02:02 AM Of course the Magi/Kings are likely to figure to some degree in most Innocents' Day carols. A case in point being my own "In Bethlem Town", to the PESKY SARPENT tune ("On Springfield Mountain there did dwell"); they are in vv. 4 & 5:
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Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: Stilly River Sage Date: 13 Dec 12 - 01:46 PM Another vote for Menotti - I remember seeing the first performance of Amal on television. It's a rich source of material for you. SRS |
Subject: Lyr Add: KING HEROD AND THE COCK From: GUEST,Don Wise Date: 13 Dec 12 - 01:39 PM Here's one involving the Magi you've all missed: KING HEROD AND THE COCK There was a star in David's land In David's land schon clear And in King Herod's chamber So bright it did shine there The Wise Men they soon spied it And they told the king on high That a heavenly babe was born that night No man would ever destroy If this be true King Herod said That you've been telling me Then the roasted cock that's in this dish Shall crow full fences three Now the cock soon feathered and thrust and grew By the working of God's own hand Three times that roasted cock did crow In the dish where it did stand |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: GUEST,leeneia Date: 13 Dec 12 - 12:29 PM Thank you, open mike, Haruo and guest. Those are good songs. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: Haruo Date: 13 Dec 12 - 11:58 AM There are several in the Shekerjians' 1963 A Book of Christmas Carols: p. 64 There were three kings, on journey did go (De Drie Koningen, English and Flemish texts) p. 68 The Golden Carol ("The star we've waited for so long") p. 70 Twelfth Night Song ("See them! There they go. Three noble kings Go riding through the snow.") p. 72 Melchior and Balthazar (Melchior et Balthazar; A French round from Bas-Languedoc; English and French texts) |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE MAGI (W B Yeats) From: GUEST Date: 26 Nov 12 - 12:13 PM The Magi Now as at all times I can see in the mind's eye, In their stiff, painted clothes, the pale unsatisfied ones Appear and disappear in the blue depth of the sky With all their ancient faces like rain-beaten stones, And all their helms of silver hovering side by side, And all their eyes still fixed, hoping to find once more, Being by Calvary's turbulence unsatisfied, The uncontrollable mystery on the bestial floor. W B Yeats FYI, Doug Saum |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: Haruo Date: 26 Nov 12 - 02:48 AM The YouTube has "song" where it should have "harp" (first line of verse two). Haruo |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE KINGS OF THE EAST ARE RIDING From: Haruo Date: 26 Nov 12 - 12:51 AM I have always been rather strangely affected by the astrological imagery of "The Kings of the East are riding", by Katharine Lee Bates (who wrote "America the Beautiful", inter alia). Here's a YouTube. THE KINGS OF THE EAST ARE RIDING
The Cyber Hymnal™'s PDF of the tune (four-part setting) is available at the Hymnary.org page on the song. |
Subject: Lyr Add: WISE MEN (Anna & Kate McGarrigle) From: GUEST, MikeK Date: 25 Nov 12 - 02:44 PM Kate and Anna McGarrigle wrote and recorded "Wise Men" Wise Men by Anna McGarrigle, Kate McGarrigle In the desert where the stars are bright And constellations rule your life Long ago three kings set out To follow a peculiar light What did they see up in the sky That made them take leave of their land? And carry gifts on camel back Of the years of endless sand Through cloudless days and cloudless nights The bells upon the camel ring And the wind played on rips of sand It must be the voices of angels singing Gold to crown His loftiness Myrrh for the man upon his death Frankincense for godliness Black smoke eyed that starts tonight Minds explode in golden sand Underground black waters flow In Afghan fields, the poppies grow Gold to crown His loftiness Myrrh for the man upon his death Frankincense for godliness Fortunately I caught the error before it was too late: "In the dessert..."! |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: open mike Date: 24 Nov 12 - 09:11 PM to expand on my post from 2005: Darryl Purpose has a c.d. called the gift of the Magi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfILNlDNhp0 and O'Henry has a story about it. here illustrated by a student film http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzs-GNtf2tY&feature=related |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: GUEST,Eddie1 (Still sans cookie) Date: 24 Nov 12 - 05:22 PM Back in the days when I lived in Scotland, I nearly wet myself when a small child of my acquaintance told me he had learned a new song at school called "Three Wee Kings"! Eddie |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: GUEST,Colin Gamm Date: 24 Nov 12 - 08:16 AM "At break of day, as I went on my way..." came into my head this morning, and here I am. We sang it at school - can't remember if it was junior or senior school, but it must have been around or either side of 1960. I was around ten at the time and the schools were in Bromley, Kent (England). The tune involves three notes for the word "sages": sa-a-ages. Needless to say, we changed "Eastern sa-a-ages" to "eating sausages". Far too witty for our own good... |
Subject: Amahl And The Night Visitors From: Genie Date: 09 Jan 12 - 06:58 PM Thanks, Monique. That's the one I was looking for (the English lyrics being the ones I've heard most). BTW, Menotti's opera has several arias in it that are sung by the "kings" and/or about them. Here is the libretto, including the aria lyrics, from "http://www.christophervandyck.com/o/story/amahl">Amahl And The Night Visitors |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: Monique Date: 09 Jan 12 - 04:42 AM An English version of Bizet's March of the Kings |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: Phil Cooper Date: 08 Jan 12 - 08:53 PM I think Michael Smith wrote a song cycle on the magi as well. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: Phil Cooper Date: 08 Jan 12 - 12:22 PM I checked earlier post and saw no mention of American Noel, so here are the words: (D)Three wise men Riding (A)hard through the (D)cold (G)Lost on some big (D)city street With (A)no place warm to go They are (D)looking for a manger Or a (A)sign in the (D)lights But they're a (G)long way from (D)Bethle(A)hem to(D)night (Asus4) But they heard about a (D)savior And a preacher in the (G)park Who will camp with the (D)homeless Where they shiver in the (A)dark He'll deliver sal(D)vation To the weary and the (G)cold And he'll bring (D)joy (G)joy (D)joy to the (A)wandering (D)soul (A) The (D)cleaning lady sighs As she (A)closes up the (D)gate 'Cause (G)this job don't quite (D)pay the bills And she's (A)always working late But (D)all in a moment Comes a (A)light from a(D)bove It's an (G)angel speaking (D)words of (A)joy and (D)love (Asus4) And he tells her of a (D)savior And a preacher in the (G)park Who will camp with the (D)homeless Under bridges in the (A)dark He'll deliver sal(D)vation To the weary and the (G)cold And he'll bring (D)joy (G)joy (D)joy to the (A)wandering (D)soul (A) (D)Four in the morning At the (A)Tradewinds Mo(D)tel The (G)register reads (D)"all full up" And the (A)clerk thinks just as well But (D)out in the tool shed 'Round an (A)old Coleman (D)lamp A (G)little family (D)makes its (A)meager (D)camp (Asus4) The (D)Wise Men bring presents And the (A)angels gather (D)'round The (G)cleaning lady (D)slips in through the (A)door without a sound And an (D)old black dog Looks (A)on with the (D)rest At the (G)little babe up(D)on his (A)mother's (D)breast (Asus4) And there comes a (D)savior And a preacher in the (G)park And he camps with the (D)homeless Where they shiver in the (A)dark He delivers sal(D)vation To the weary and the (G)cold And he brings (D)joy (G)joy (D)joy to the (A)wandering (D)soul (G) And he brings (D)joy (G)joy (D)joy to the (A)wandering (D)soul |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: Mr Happy Date: 08 Jan 12 - 10:29 AM Weren't they Zoroastrians? |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: Phil Cooper Date: 08 Jan 12 - 08:49 AM Has anyone mentioned Dave Carter's song "American Noel" on his take of the Magi? |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: Genie Date: 08 Jan 12 - 07:18 AM Here's one that's new to me: My King and My God (Wise Men's Song) . The first verse of the bluegrass song Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem is: O beautiful Star Of Bethlehem, Shining afar through shadows dim, Giving the light for those who've long gone on And guiding the wise men on their way Unto the place where Jesus lay, Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem, shine on. The 16th C. Latin carol "Personet Hodie" [which, BTW, is a track by Telynor on the new Mudcat seasonal CD "This Is Us: Until The Dark Time Ends"] has a verse about the magi. There are several singable English versions/translations of the Latin carol too. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: Genie Date: 08 Jan 12 - 06:55 AM Well, Flawn Williams mentions Amahl in his "Rolling Down to Bethlehem" lyrics, but no one's yet mentioned the opera in which Amahl is the title character: "Amahl and the Night Visitors," by Gian Carlo Menotti. Some of the arias from that opera are sung as choral pieces, outside of the opera itself. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: GUEST,Bludnok Date: 07 Jan 12 - 04:12 PM Never forget : "As With Gladness Men Of Old" (did the guiding star behold) two lines of a carol I Know |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: GUEST,leeneia Date: 26 Sep 11 - 11:46 AM Hi, Yorkshire Lass. You're not the only person who only remembers part of that! Others are looking for a complete set of words. CupofTea: thanks for 'Brightest and Best.' |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: GUEST,Yorkshire lass Date: 26 Sep 11 - 09:52 AM The song At break of day, As I went on my way, I met three kings and they were eastern sages. was on BBC Radio 'Singing Together', for Primary Schools in the 1970's |
Subject: Lyr Add: BRIGHTEST AND BEST OF THE SONS OF THE ... From: CupOfTea Date: 18 Sep 11 - 09:45 AM For decades my favorite Epiphany song has been Brightest and Best (also known as Star iu the East) - first fallen in love with from John McCutcheon's Winter Solstice album. It's in Southern Harmony I've seen two different tunes for it, with settings in The Christmas Revels Songbook and the current Episcopal Hymnal. Hail the blest morn, see the great Mediator, Down from the regions of glory descend! Shepherds, go worship the babe in the manger, Lo, for his guard the bright angels attend. Refrain: Brightest and best of the sons of the morning, Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid; Star of the East, the horizon adorning, Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid. Cold on his cradle the dewdrops are shining; Low lies his bed with the beasts of the stall; Angels adore him, in slumbers reclining, Wise men and shepherds before him do fall. Refrain Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion, Odors of Eden and offerings divine? Gems from the mountain, and pearls from the ocean, Myrrh from the forest, and gold from the mine? Refrain Vainly we offer each ample oblation; Vainly with gold we his favor secure; Richer by far is the heart's adoration; Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor. Refrain If you'd like to go ALL out, there's always Gian Carlo Menotti's one-act opera Amahal and the Night Visitors. I'm so tickled by the post with Flawn Williams charming parody, both for the song and for reminder of this seldom seen friend. I've tucked the lyrics away for our Christmas sing. Joanne in Cleveland |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: Clontarf83 Date: 17 Sep 11 - 06:19 PM Steve Earle-- Copperhead Road--last track--Nothing but a child---great re-telling of the magi story--oddly enough just mentioned this on another thread |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: GUEST,EJR guest Date: 17 Sep 11 - 09:15 AM To Liz the Squeak . . . I remember that carol too. It was sung to the tune of Bizet's Farandole. I can't find the lyrics anywhere but I remember a couple more lines: At break of day as I went on my way, I saw three kings and they were Eastern sages, At break of day I went on my way, I saw three kings . . .[something or other] First of all came the guards so tall, Then men at arms with their 30 little pages. Anyone know any more!? |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: GUEST,Doug Saum Date: 26 Jun 11 - 06:20 PM If you forgive a bit of self-promotion, I have a song called "The Magi" on my CD titled RESPONSIBILITIES. The lyrics a from W B Yeats and a free sample is available from CDBABY.com. It's definitely not the standard Christmassy treatment of these fellows. Regards, D |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: Kent Davis Date: 25 Jun 11 - 11:13 PM Joe F, You are right that the Bible doesn't say there were three magi, and also right that it doesn't say they were kings. The folkloric idea that they were kings is odd. The text says what they were. They were...magi. (As you probably know, the word "magi" has the same root as the word "magic". Magi are magicians, not in the "I can pull a rabbit out of a hat" sense, but in the sense of being sorcerers, wizards, or astrologers, those who claim special knowledge or special powers.) A related odd idea, common in folklore but not supported by the Bible, is the notion that the star they followed was exceptionally bright. It's brightness is never mentioned in the text http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=%20matthew%202:1-11&version=ESV Kent |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: any songs about the magi? From: Joe_F Date: 25 Jun 11 - 08:50 PM It is a folkloric curiosity that, despite what seems to be a worldwide Christian tradition, there is no Biblical warrant for the Magi's being three, or for their being kings. |
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