Coventry Carol

Christmas Carol Lyrics

Lully, lullay, thou little tiny child,
Bye bye, lully, lullay.
Lully, lullay, thou little tiny child,
Bye bye, lully, lullay.

O sisters too, how may we do
For to preserve this day
This poor youngling for whom we sing,
"Bye bye, lully, lullay"?

Herod the king, in his raging,
Charged he hath this day
His men of might in his own sight
All young children to slay.

That woe is me, poor child, for thee
And ever mourn and may
For thy parting neither say nor sing,
"Bye bye, lully, lullay."

About This Carol

Coventry Carol is a striking and somber Christmas carol that dates back to 16th-century England. It originated as part of a medieval mystery play called The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors, which was performed in Coventry. These pageants were theatrical retellings of biblical stories, and this particular song accompanied the scene of the Massacre of the Innocents - King Herod’s tragic order to kill all male infants in Bethlehem.

The lyrics, “Lullay, thou little tiny child,” are sung as a lullaby by grieving mothers to their doomed children. The melody, written in a minor key, adds to the carol’s emotional weight and gives it a haunting beauty that sets it apart from most Christmas music. Despite its sorrowful subject, it remains a powerful expression of love, mourning, and humanity.

Though nearly lost after the decline of medieval plays, Coventry Carol was rediscovered in the 19th century and has since become a part of the choral tradition. It is often performed during more reflective parts of Christmas services or concerts, particularly those that observe the Feast of the Holy Innocents.

Its timeless resonance lies in its ability to blend historical storytelling with deep emotional undertones, reminding us that the Christmas story includes not just joy and wonder, but also moments of sorrow and courage.

Video Performance (by Sting!)

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