Posted by ESC on December 23, 2003
In Reply to: The First Noel lyric question... posted by Word Camel on December 23, 2003
: This has always bothered me a bit...
: "The first Noel, The angels did say
: was to certain poor shepherds,
: in fields as they lay..."
: Does this mean 'certain shepherds' as opposed to certain *other* shepherds? Is is an archaic verb? Is is just the way lyrics are sometimes?
: This has been preying on my mind for decades. Some times I wake up and night and wonder. Many thanks in advance for any insights.
: Camelita
: Who clearly needs a new hobby
I do not know. I imagine the songwriter just threw in "certain" to make it sound right.