As Shepherds watched their fleecy care

As Shepherds watched their fleecy care

Christmas carol written by Joseph Key of Nuneaton, Northampton, and published in his Five Anthems, Four Collects, Twenty Psalm Tunes, [etc.]. Book III, London: Mrs. Eliz. Key, Nuneaton, [1785].

• File:As Shepherds watched their fleecy care - Joseph Key.pdf -‎ five verses as published by Joseph Key

Two verses, tune and two harmony parts noted by Janet Blunt, Nov 1st 1916, from William Walton of Adderbury, Oxfordshire.

1. As Shepherds watch'd their fleecy care,
   An heavenly Angel did appear,
   Shepherds! Attend! To you I bring,
   Glad tidings of a New-born King,
   Glad tidings of a New-born King.
   
   Chorus
   Loud Hozanna send on high!
   Raise your voices to the skies,
   Raise your voices to the skies.
   Hymns of Praises let us sing,
   Unto Christ our Heavenly King,
   Unto Christ our Heavenly King.
   
   
2. In Bethle'em's town this blessed morn,
   The Saviour of mankind was born;
   Born of a spotless Virgin pure,
   Free from all sin from guilt secure,
   Free from all sin from guilt secure

Transcribed from Janet H. Blunt collection: JHB/12A/8 & JHB/12/4:

• File:JHB-12A-8.pdf
• File:JHB-12A-8.MID

External references

• for information on Joseph Key see the website of West Gallery choir Immanuel's Ground at http://www.immanuelsground.com/composers/Warwick_Composers.htm#JOSEPH%20KEY