The Coventry Carol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjykMVzFd7g
"The Coventry Carol"

Lully, Lullay
Thou little tiny Child,
By, by, lully, lullay.

O sisters, too, how may we do,
For to preserve this day;
This poor Youngling for whom we sing,
By, by, lully, lullay.

Herod the King, in his raging,
Charged he hath this day;
His men of might, in his own sight,
All young children, to slay.

Then woe is me, poor Child, for Thee,
And ever mourn and say;
For Thy parting, nor say nor sing,
By, by, lully, lullay.

Lully, Lullay
Thou little tiny Child,
By, by, lully, lullay.

By, by, lully, lullay.
By, by, lully, lullay.

Medieval English lyrics are not something of which many people seem to be familiar, especially if they are not of the Roman Catholic or Catholic tradition. This is one of the most famous lyrics, and it incorporates one of the most horrific Biblical narratives of the Nativity: the tale of King Herod's decree that all first born children must be killed, the most prominent of which would be Jesus. Now, I am not a very religious person, but I was raised Roman Catholic, and whenever Christmas rolled around, I would recognize some of these old lyrics. This one always stood out because of its very grim and haunting content.

Mothers are the speakers of this poem – more specifically Mary and other mothers trying to hush their babies to keep them quiet, and therefore alive. There are powerful images and emotions at work here, and I think that is one of the most striking things about these types of poems. When you set powerful words to music, there is a added level of appeal. It worked in the Middle Ages and it still works now.

-Samantha Markey