The Friendly Beasts

Christmas Song Lyrics

Jesus, our brother, kind and good,
Was humbly born in a stable rude;
And the friendly beasts around Him stood.
Jesus, our brother, kind and good.

"I," said the Donkey, shaggy and brown,
"I carried His mother up hill and down;
I carried His mother to Bethlehem town."
"I," said the Donkey, shaggy and brown.

"I," said the Cow, all white and red,
"I gave Him my manger for His bed;
I gave Him my hay to pillow His head."
"I," said the Cow, all white and red.

"I," said the Sheep, with the curly horn,
"I gave Him my wool for His blanket warm;
He wore my coat on Christmas morn."
"I," said the Sheep, with the curly horn.

"I," said the Dove, from the rafters high,
"I cooed Him to sleep that He should not cry;
We cooed Him to sleep, my mate and I."
"I," said the Dove, from the rafters high.

Thus every beast by some glad spell,
In the stable dark was glad to tell
Of the gift he gave Emmanuel,
The gift he gave Emmanuel.

About This Song

The Friendly Beasts is a sweet and humble Christmas carol that tells the Nativity story from a unique perspective - that of the animals present at Jesus’ birth. Each verse is sung in the voice of a different creature, including the donkey, cow, sheep, dove, and even the camel, as they each describe the gifts they gave to the newborn child.

The song’s origins trace back to 12th-century France, where a Latin hymn titled Orientis Partibus was sung as part of medieval Christmas pageantry. The English lyrics as we know them today were adapted in the early 20th century, most notably by Robert Davis around 1920, preserving the humble tone and animal-based storytelling.

Set to a gentle, folksy melody, the carol is often used in children’s programs and nativity plays. Its repetitive structure and simple, heartfelt lines make it easy for young singers to remember and perform, while its message - that everyone, even the lowliest animal, has something valuable to give - is timeless and touching.

The Friendly Beasts is a reminder that Christmas isn't just about grand gestures, but about thoughtful giving and humble service. It brings a tender charm to the season and continues to delight audiences young and old.

Performance Video

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