Once in Royal David’s City
Once in royal David’s city
Stood a lowly cattle shed
Where a mother laid her baby
In a manger for His bed
Mary was that mother mild
Jesus Christ her little child
He came down to earth from heaven
Who is God and Lord of all
And His shelter was a stable
And His cradle was a stall
With the poor and meek and lowly
Lived on earth our Savior holy
And our eyes at last shall see Him
Through His own redeeming love
For that child so dear and gentle
Is our Lord in heaven above
And He leads His children on
To the place where He is gone
Not in that poor lowly stable
With the oxen standing by
We shall see Him, but in heaven
Set at God’s right hand on high
When like stars
His children crowned
All in white shall wait around
And He leads His children on
To the place where He is gone
Listen to the song
Hør sangen
About the carol Once in Royal David’s City
“Once in Royal David’s City” is a traditional Christmas carol written by Cecil Frances Alexander in 1848 and recorded by Mary Chapin Carpenter. The song is based on the Christian story of Jesus’ birth and has become a well-known part of Christmas worship traditions.
The carol tells the story of Jesus being born in Bethlehem and reflects on the humble circumstances surrounding his arrival. It highlights themes of simplicity, faith and the belief that Jesus’ birth brought hope to the world.
Mary Chapin Carpenter’s folk-inspired style gives the song a warm and thoughtful interpretation. Its connection to Christmas comes from its focus on the Nativity and the story of Christ’s birth. “Once in Royal David’s City” represents the traditional and worshipful side of Christmas music.
