The First Noel lyric question...
Posted by Henry on December 23, 2003
In Reply to: The First Noel lyric question... posted by ESC 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.
It means one particular group of shepherds. But it's just a poetic device rather than a statement of any deep significance.