it was night, a dark, dark night
long ago and far away in a field
not far away from a little town
were shepherds were watching their flocks
flocks of nervous sheep
in this dark, dark time of year
pregnant, panicky, bleating ewes
and in this dark and cold, cold night
where shepherds were watching their sheep
keeping them away from the deep cliffs
because sheep and lambs meat are dear
came suddenly in a beam of light
an angel from the heavens above
which made the shepherds very afraid
do not be afraid the angel said
the sheep are quiet and will be 'till dawn
they are like under hypnosis you see
I am here to bring you great tidings this night
tidings of love and redemption
and then a celebrant angel choir came down
singing their heavenly songs of salvation.
come, come they sang, joyful and triumphant
come all this holy night to Bethlehem
come see the Babe there lying in the manger
To the little town the shepherds wound their way
leaving their sheep in peaceful silent night
and in the stable in the manger found the Child
the King of Kings and Ruler of mankind