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

• The First Noel lyric question... ESC 23/December/03
  • 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