Coventry Carol

 Coventry Carol  

Text and melody are both from the 1500s. The original song’s lyrics are rather vague and require that the listener/singer already know the story of King Herod and his shenanigans. I am echoing that nebulousness with these lyrics. Basically, the narrator and 2 women, whether literal sisters or sisters in comradery, are solemnly contemplating the tenuous future of a new member of the family. Maybe their culture is seeing a rise in fascism? Maybe the word ‘king’ can refer to an authoritarian of a closer kind – overbearing family or community members. It also refers to the frustration of cleaning up errors previous leaders and elders have allowed to occur, actively or passively.  

Annie Lenox does the best version.  I love the solemn and quiet style of Loreena McKennitt’s, but Annie Lennox’s is so aggressive and powerful I’ve grown partial to it. I think a metal version needs to happen.   

 
Lullay, lullay, My winter-born child  

By-by, lullay, lullay  

Lullay, lullay My winter child  

By-by, lullay, lullay  

  

Oh, sisters two How may we do  

For to preserve this day?  

Our newest sign of life so fine  

By-by, lullay, lullay  

  

An angry King In his raging  

Fearful of youth's revolt   

His men of might in his own sight  

All free ideas to halt.  

  

Then woe is me Poor child for thee  

Your ancestors did delay 

They did foresee, undeniably 

By-by, lullay, lullay  

  

Lullay, lullay My winter-born child  

By-by, lullay, lullay  

Lullay, lullay My winter child  

By-by, lullay 

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