The First Noel lyric question...

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.

• The First Noel lyric question... Rudyard 23/December/03
  • The First Noel lyric question... Word Camel 23/December/03
    • The First Noel lyric question... Nick 27/December/03
      • "Certain" isn't archaic yet Word Camel 27/December/03
        • Certain ones heard, certain others weren't invited Bob 28/December/03
          • Certain ones heard, certain others weren't invited Smokey Stover 16/January/04
• The First Noel lyric question... Henry 23/December/03
• Certain fit the line. It is possible that the shepherds were certainly poor. Sheila 23/December/03
• The First Noel lyric question... Sheila 23/December/03