The Wexford Carol

“Good people all, this Christmas time”

We have many happy memories of our time living in County Wexford. It is also the birthplace of one of our favorite carols—The Wexford Carol—one of Ireland’s oldest dating back to the 12th century. It has been sung by many over the years including Tom Jones, Julie Andrews, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir but our favorite version is by American country singer Alison Krauss accompanied by world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

This beautiful version was recorded several years ago for Sony. Its beauty is in its purity. One voice with few instruments, it feels most true to its Celtic roots. If you like traditional carols, we think you will love this one. And thanks to the wonders of the internet, we have video of the original studio recording.

Enjoy.

The Wexford Carol Lyrics

Good people all, this Christmas time
Consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done
In sending his beloved son

With Mary holy we should pray
To God with love this Christmas Day
In Bethlehem upon that morn
There was a blessed Messiah born

Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep
Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep
To whom God's angels did appear
Which put the shepherds in great fear

'Prepare and go, ' the angels said
'To Bethlehem, be not afraid
For there you'll find, this happy morn
A princely babe, sweet Jesus born

With thankful heart and joyful mind
The shepherds went, this babe to find
And as God's angel had foretold
They did our saviour Christ behold

Within a manger he was laid
And by his side the virgin maid
Attending on the Lord of life
Who came on earth to end all strife

Good people all, this Christmas time
Consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done
In sending his beloved Son

With Mary holy we should pray
To God with love this Christmas day
In Bethlehem upon that morn
There was a blessed Messiah born