Wednesday 30 December 2015

The Rocking Carol (Little Jesus Sweetly Sleep)

Little Jesus sweetly sleep, do not stir;
We will lend a coat of fur,
We will rock you, rock you, rock you
We will rock you, rock you, rock you:
See the fur to keep you warm
Snugly round your tiny form.



This Czech Christmas carol was collected by Miss Jacubikova and translated into English by Percy Dearmer in the late 1928 for the Oxford Book of Carols.  Dearmer was a clergyman with an interest in social gospel and rescuing neglected carols.  The tune for the song is similar to that of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.  The rhythm is similar to that of a lullaby.  This carol could have accompanied cradle rocking, a practice started in Germany during Medieval Times.  The carol was popularized by Julie Andrews in the 1960's (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YocejZuyKno).





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