Day 19: Shepherds, Arise!
Song Information
The second Copper song in the project (the first being The Innocent Hare), I realised after collecting the first shortlist of songs that I didn't actually have any Christmas / Winter songs, so made sure to add this one in. Will there be another Christmas song in the list? If so, what will it be? I could tell you, but that would be a spoiler.
This song (as collected from the Copper Family) uses the West Gallery style, that includes multiple fugues with the first part starting a line and the second following until they come together in glorious harmony. These days, my main interaction with this style is in the local carol tradition in Sheffield.
The oldest source for this is from Winterborne Zelston in Dorset that was then published by W.A. Pickard-Cambridge's A Collection of Dorset Carols in 1926 - with minor edits so that the Soprano line lead the tune instead of the tenor as would fit “modern” sensibilities. The original manuscripts were destroyed during the Second World War, so that collection is the only surviving source.
You'll have noticed that I put the album cover where Bellamy recorded the song in question for each day, and there's an argument that this should actually be The Holly Bears the Crown, the collection of Seasonal songs that The Young Tradition did with Shirley & Dolly Collins. I've chosen to use the first time it was released, though you could argue that's a bit tenuous too:
- The Holly Bears The Crown was recorded in 1969, but then wasn't released due to The Young Tradition parting ways just after recording it.
- The song was released as a single by Argo in 1974 as a B-side to The Boar's Head Carol.
- Fair Annie was released in 1983, but as a limited cassette run of only 500 - so there weren't that many copies.
- In 1995, The Holly Bears the Crown was finally released on CD.
- In 2004, Fellside released “Fair Annie” which was a double CD re-release of Peter Bellamy and Fair Annie.
In other words, if you were being pedantic the right option would be the cover of that Argo single but I couldn't find a picture of that - but since I sang this as a soloist it probably makes sense for this to be the version Bellamy recorded on Fair Annie.
Listen to the Song
Lyrics
Shepherds arise, be not afraid, with hasty steps prepare
To David’s city, sin on earth,
With our blest Infant there, with our blest Infant there.
Sing, sing, all earth, sing, sing, all earth eternal praises sing
To our Redeemer, to our Redeemer and our heavenly King.
Laid in a manger viewed a Child, humility Divine,
Sweet innocence sounds meek and mild.
Grace in his features shine, grace in his features shine.
For us the Saviour came on earth, for us his life he gave,
To save us from eternal death
To raise us from the grave and to raise us from the grave