Calypso Carol


Origin and History | Calypso Carol Lyrics | Youtube Video | Music Sheets


Preface



A contemporary Christmas carol written by Michael Perry during the 1960’s, Calypso Carol was often introduced by the media as a folk carol of West Indian origin. In fact, some of the words from the song can be seen on a set of their postage stamps. Michael Perry became a famous contemporary hymn writer in the United Kingdom and this is all thanks to the fame Calypso Carol garnered.

History of Calypso Carol

This fame can all be attributed to a fortunate mistake Cliff Richard, a popular radio DJ, made during a show when he included the carol in a selection. A lot of people enjoyed listening to the song and it was requested a lot. The 1969 songbook Youth Praise 2 featured Calypso Carol afterwards.

The Caribbean island of Nevis incorporated the chorus of this song on its Christmas stamps back in 1983 and St Kitts Island also made a corresponding sheet using the older version of song.

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Calypso Carol Lyrics

See him alying on a bed of straw;
Draughty stable with an open door,
Mary cradling the babe she bore;
The prince of glory is his name.

Refrain

Oh, now carry me to Bethlehem
to see the Lord appear to men;
Just as poor as was the stable then,
The prince of glory when he came.

Star of silver sweep across the skies,
show where Jesus in the manger lies.
Shepherds swiftly from your stupor rise
to see the Saviour of the world.

[Repeat Refrain]

Mine are riches from thy poverty,
From thine innocence, eternity;
Mine, forgiveness by thy death for me,
Child of sorrow for my joy.

[Repeat Refrain]

Angels, sing agan the song you sang,
bring God's glory to the heart of man;
Sing the Bethl'hem's little baby can
be salvation to the soul.

[Repeat Refrain]

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Calypso Carol Youtube Videos

Watch Calypso Carol 3 Men & A Melody Version

Calypso Carol Music Sheet

Miniature Music Sheet of Calypso Carol from Wikipedia

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