An Australian Carol - Carol of the Birds - with lyrics

Carol of the Birds

Written  by:  William Garnet James & John Wheeler

Out on the plains the brolgas are dancing Lifting their feet like war horses prancing Up to the sun the woodlarks go winging Faint in the dawn light echoes their singing Orana!  Orana!  Orana to Christmas Day Down where the tree ferns grow by the river There where the waters sparkle and quiver Deep in the gullies bell-birds are chiming Softly and sweetly their lyric notes rhyming Orana!  Orana!  Orana to Christmas Day Friar birds sip the nectar of flowers Currawongs chant in the wattle tree bowers In the blue ranges lorikeets calling Carols of bushbirds rising and falling Orana!  Orana!  Orana to Christmas Day The word "Orana"  means  "Welcome" This link will open a midi file player to allow you to hear the tune and see the words as it plays. Carol of the Birds  Please go to this YouTube to see beautiful shots of the birds in the song.

Carol of the Birds - a Catalonia carol

Lyrics

The Carol of the Birds (traditional)

When rose the eastern star
The birds came from afar
In that night full of glory
In one melodious voice
They sweetly did rejoice
And sang the wondrous story

Sang, praising God on high
Enthroned above the sky
And His fair mother, Mary

The eagle left his lair
Came winging through the air
His message loud arising
And to his joyous cry
The sparrow made reply
His answer sweetly voicing

"Overcome are death and strife
This night is born new life,"
The robin sang rejoicing

When rose the eastern star
The birds came from afar