I Saw Three Ships | Christmas Carol Lyrics & Easy Piano Sheet Music

from the MMF Songbook



I Saw Three Ships is a traditional and popular Christmas carol from England. The lyrics mention three ships sailing into Bethlehem, although the nearest body of water to Bethlehem is the Dead Sea which is about 20 miles away. Some suggest the three ships refer to the camels used by the Magi as camels are often referred to as "ships of the desert." Others speculate the ships are actual ships which brought the Magi to Cologne Cathedral in the 12th century or to King Wenceslaus II who bore a coat of arms "Azure three galleys argent".

Lyrics for 'I Saw Three Ships'

I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
I saw three ships come sailing in
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?

The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Pray, wither 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.


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