Sussex Carol

General information

Collected from the oral tradition by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1904 (informant: Mrs Verrall). For a different version, collected 1912, see Luke Wadding in George Butterworth's edition.

Settings by composers (automatically updated)

• George Butterworth — Sussex Carol  English SATB
• Alex Hodgkinson — Sussex Carol  English SATB
• Traditional — Sussex Carol  English SATB
• Ralph Vaughan Williams — Sussex Carol  English SATB

Text and translations

English text 1  On Christmas night all Christians sing To hear the news the angels bring. News of great joy, news of great mirth, News of our merciful King's birth. 2  Then why should men on earth be so sad, Since our redeemer made us glad, When from our sin he set us free All for to gain our liberty? 3  When sin departs before his grace, Then life and health come in its place; Angels and men with joy may sing, All for to see the new-born King. 4  All out of darkness we have light, Which made the angels sing this night: 'Glory to God and peace to men, Now and for evermore. Amen.'

English text On Christmas night all Christians sing, To hear what news the angels bring; News of great joy and news of mirth, News of our merciful Saviour's birth. For why should men on earth be sad; Redeemer comes to make us glad. Prisoners all in their chains rejoice To hear the echo of His voice. The King of kings, of earth and heaven, The King of angels and of men. Angels and men with joy may sing Glory to our new-born King. Text version of Luke Wadding