Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
790Resource Type:
Keys included:
Em
About this Hymn
Part of this carol's unique quality is in the way it was written for a pageant, the verses representing different characters, and the music being reminiscent of an almost Middle Eastern sound. It ended up being included in carol books because of its magnetic simplicity and popularity, and also because of its use of biblical texts from both Old and New Testament.
Lyrics
Verse 1
We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.
Chorus
O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright; westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.
Verse 2
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain, gold I bring to crown him again, King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign.
Verse 3
Frankincense to offer have I; incense owns a Deity nigh; prayer and praising, all men raising, worship him, God on high.
Verse 4
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom; sorr'wing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stonecold tomb.
Verse 5
Glorious now behold him arise, King and God and Sacrifice, alleluia, alleluia! Earth to heav'n replies.
We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.
Chorus
O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright; westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.
Verse 2
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain, gold I bring to crown him again, King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign.
Verse 3
Frankincense to offer have I; incense owns a Deity nigh; prayer and praising, all men raising, worship him, God on high.
Verse 4
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom; sorr'wing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stonecold tomb.
Verse 5
Glorious now behold him arise, King and God and Sacrifice, alleluia, alleluia! Earth to heav'n replies.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words & Music: John H. Hopkins Jr., 1858