Lyrics
Born is the King, born is the King
The first Noel, the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields where they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep
Born is the King, born is the King
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the Earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night
Born is the King, born is the King
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
The love You shared, even scared
Oh, the shepherds they were so afraid
You flipped it all on that very first Christmas day
So I'ma yell Noel on the streets like a newsie
And sing Emmanuel 'til this Earth gotta lose me
Born is the King, born is the King
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
Noel, Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
Noel, Noel, Noel
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
The First Noel retells the nativity through the familiar images of shepherds, angels, starlight, and the newborn King of Israel. Its recurring announcement, “Born is the King,” keeps the identity of Christ at the center, while the repeated “Noel” gives the song the character of public celebration. The lyric moves from the quiet fields outside Bethlehem to a declaration meant for streets and the whole earth.
The shepherds and their fear closely reflect the account in Luke, where an angel announces good news of a Savior and the heavenly host praises God. The distant star also recalls the sign followed by the visitors in Matthew. Alongside the traditional carol text, the added lines emphasize Emmanuel and the love revealed at Christmas. That combination presents the birth of Jesus not only as a remembered scene but as news to be proclaimed with joy.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:8-14 Angels announce the birth of the Savior to frightened shepherds near Bethlehem.
- Matthew 2:1-2 Visitors from the east follow the star while seeking the newborn king.