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Reviews
"Sam Batt Owens continues to produce lovely, useful works which (like Sam) reveal unsuspected sophistication. This tender carol is certainly in that category, and there is something in the harmony of the verses and in the rhythmic play of the refrain that calls to mind the elegant simplicity of George Woodward and Charles Wood." AAM Journal, Dec. 1994.

Description Owens alternates between a cheerful Sing we, then, merrily, merrily, as a refrain and more introspective stanzas (all of it taken from Queen Elizabeth's Virginia Book). Uses only eleven bells as accompaniment and is easily rehearsed.

Anthem text
Jesus so meek, Jesus so mild,
Jesus was once a little child.
In manger rude, filled with hay,
Jesus our Savior gently lay.
Sing we, then, merrily, merrily, sing nowell,
sing we to Jesus, Emmanuel.

Mary so sweet, Mary so true,
may we all gently be just like you.
Soften our hearts, make us all kind
then in our hearts a home Jesus find.
Sing we, then, merrily, merrily, sing nowell,
sing we to Jesus, Emmanuel.

Joseph so brave, Joseph so fine,
Father of Jesus, the Babe divine,
teach us to grow heathly and strong,
that we may work for God all day long.
Sing we, then, merrily, merrily, sing nowell,
sing we to Jesus, Emmanuel.

Come children all, sing out his praise,
carol the Infant in sweetest lays.
Let us our hearts, gifts to him bring,
ever to honor and serve the King.
Sing we, then, merrily, merrily, sing nowell,
sing we to Jesus, Emmanuel.

Text: from "Queen Elizabeth's Virginia Book"

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