The Friendly Beasts
Jesus our brother kind and good
Was humbly born in a stable of wood
And the friendly beasts around him stood
Jesus our brother kind and good
“I” said the donkey all shaggy and brown
I carried his mother up hill and down
I carried his mother to Bethlehem town
“I” said the donkey all shaggy and brown
“I” said the cow all white and red
I gave him my manger for his bed
I gave him my hay to pillow his head
“I” said the cow all white and red
“I” said the sheep with curly horn
I gave him my wool for his blanket so warm
He wore my coat on Christmas morn
“I” said the sheep with curly horn
“I” said the dove from the rafters so high
I cooed him to sleep that he should not cry
We cooed him to sleep my love and I
“I” said the dove from the rafters so high
Thus every beast by some good spell
In the stable dark was glad to tell
Of the gifts they gave Emmanuel
The gifts they gave Emmanuel
Listen to the song
Hør sangen
About the carol The Friendly Beasts
“The Friendly Beasts” is a traditional Christmas carol recorded by Burl Ives, the American folk singer known for his warm voice and many classic holiday recordings. The song is based on an old French carol called “Les Animaux,” which tells the Christmas story from the perspective of the animals present at Jesus’ birth.
The song describes how different animals helped or honored the baby Jesus in the stable. Each animal is given a role connected with the Nativity, creating a gentle and imaginative retelling of the Christmas story. The lyrics highlight themes of humility, kindness and devotion.
Burl Ives’ folk-style performance gives the song a simple and comforting atmosphere. Its connection to Christmas comes from its focus on the manger scene and the humble setting of Jesus’ birth. “The Friendly Beasts” represents the traditional storytelling side of Christmas music, where familiar stories are shared through song.
