The Cyber Hymnal ‎#6299

6299. Shepherds! Shake Off Your Drowsy Sleep

1. Shepherds! Shake off your drowsy sleep,
Rise and leave your silly sheep;
Angels from Heav’n around loud singing,
Tidings of great joy are bringing,

Refrain
Shepherds! The chorus come and swell!
Sing Nowell, O sing Nowell!

2. Hark! Even now the bells ring ’round;
Listen to their merry sound!
Hark! How the birds new songs are making,
As if winter’s chains were breaking, [Refrain]

3. Cometh at length the age of peace,
Strife and sorrow now shall cease;
Prophets foretold the wondrous story
Of this Heaven-born Prince of glory, [Refrain]

4. Shepherds! Then up and quick away!
Seek the Babe ere break of day;
He is the hope of every nation,
All in Him shall find salvation, [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: Shepherds! Shake off your drowsy sleep
• Title: Shepherds! Shake Off Your Drowsy Sleep
• Refrain First Line: Shepherds! The chorus come and swell!
• Meter: 87.98.87
• Language: English
• Source: Traditional French carol; Translator unknown
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: BESANÇON
• Meter: 87.98.87
• Incipit: 11155 67111 77656
• Key: D Major
• Copyright: Public Domain