Preface
Sometimes referred to as I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In, this is a time-honored Christmas song from England. Its first printed edition dating back to the seventeenth century, I Saw Three Ships is an alternative of Greensleeves, its original tune. William B. Sandys also made it available in print during 1833.
History of the Carol “I Saw Three Ships”
The original text refers to three ships sailing to Bethlehem, despite the fact that the Dead Sea was miles away. The suggestion of these 3 ships is believed to have been derived from the 3 ships that carried the alleged remnants of the three kings of the nativity during twelfth century.
A nineteenth century version entitled I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing by on New Year's Day stated that there were 3 beautiful women in the ship at a wedding conducted on New Year's Day.
Martin Shaw wrote an arrangement which was featured in The Oxford Book of Carols and Sir David Willcocks’ arrangement of the song could be found in The Carols for Choirs carol books.
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I Saw Three Ships Lyrics
I saw three ships come sailing by
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day.
I saw three ships come sailing by
On Christmas Day in the morning.
And what was in those ships all three
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
And what was in those ships all three
On Christmas Day in the morning?
The Virgin Mary and Christ were there
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day.
The virgin Mary and Christ were there
On Christmas Day in the morning.
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I Saw Three Ships Youtube Videos
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I Saw Three Ships Music Sheet | Guitar Tab
Music sheet Source: 8notes.com
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I Saw Three Ships Chords
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