“On the Road to Bethlehem”

Description

A "merry company" comes to Bethlehem to obey the decree of "the governor." Mary and Joseph seek the inn, but there is no room. They go to a stable, where the baby Jesus is born. Eastern kings and shepherds come to visit

Notes

With the sole exception of the reference to "Eastern kings," every item mentioned in this song comes from the Gospel of Luke (chapter 2).

The form of this song, and the first couple of verses, don't seem quite suitable for the content; I wonder if the author didn't fix up a non-religious poem. - RBW

References

  1. SHenry H59, p. 76, "On the Road to Bethlehem" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. Roud #9052
  3. BI, HHH059

About

Author: Words: Robert Hugh Benson / Music: Sir R. R. Terry
Earliest date: 1924 (Sam Henry collection)