Christmas in Britain - I Saw Three Ships

There is a lot of mystery that surrounds the popular carol, I Saw Three Ships. It was first published in 1666 by Cecil Sharp, a collector of English folk song who discovered various versions of the carol throughout the British Isles. It is unclear how far back the song actually dates but some believe that it is an upbeat version of Greensleeves. There is a lot of debate around the symbolism of the carol. What do the three ships represent? Columbus's voyage? The Holy Trinity? The three wisemen? Or faith, hope and charity from I Corinthians 13:13? Despite the mystery, this traditional carol remains a favorite in the English-speaking world.

I SAW THREE SHIPS

I saw three ships come sailing by

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;

I saw three ships come sailing by

On Christmas Day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three,

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?

And what was in those ships all three,

On Christmas Day in the morning?

Our Saviour Christ and His Lady,

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;

Our Saviour Christ and His Lady,

On Christmas Day in the morning.

Pray, whither sailed those ships all three,

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;

Pray, whither sailed those ships all three,

On Christmas Day in the morning?

O they sailed into Bethlehem,

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;

O they sailed into Bethlehem,

On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring,

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;

And all the bells on earth shall ring,

On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;

And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,

On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the souls on earth shall sing,

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;

And all the souls on earth shall sing,

On Christmas Day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice again,

On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;

Then let us all rejoice again,

On Christmas Day in the morning.

VOCABULARY carol - chant de Noël upbeat - plus rythmé wiseman - sage faith - foi hope - espérance pray (archaic) - de grâce whither (archaic) - où soul - âme