Applique altar frontal showing a stylized Mary cradling her new baby.

The Midwife’s Carol

1.The birth itself was not too hard
good presentation, fine strong mum
but my dear it was a circus
I thought that half the town had come
Wash him clean, wipe him dry,
Hush you, shush you rock-a-bye, rock-a-bye.

2. There were these shepherds who burst in
my dear they said a talking light
told them to come and pay respects–
kneeling, they were, to that wee mite
Wash him clean, wipe him dry,
Hush you, shush you rock-a-bye, rock-a-bye.

3. He’s breathing well, the cord’s tied off,
her afterbirth’s come free, my dear
when three fine scholar blokes squeeze in
saying a star had brought them here
Wash him clean, wipe him dry,
Hush you, shush you rock-a-bye, rock-a-bye.

4. You selling tickets then? I said
buzz off you lot and let her rest
and they did, too, leaving presents
rich stuff my dear, the very best
Wash him clean, wipe him dry,
Hush you, shush you rock-a-bye, rock-a-bye.

5. All that public to and fro-ing
she watches as it comes and goes
with him tucked, dear, in a manger
pulled from under the donkey’s nose.
Wash him clean, wipe him dry,
Hush you, shush you rock-a-bye, rock-a-bye.

6. Winter solstice ‘twas my dear
shivery damp and animal stink
worship, palaver, gifts and all
what was going on do you think?
Wash him clean, wipe him dry,
Hush you, shush you rock-a-bye, rock-a-bye.

music: Becca Whitla
words: Ian Sowton, November 1994


Here’s a recording Keith Nunn and Becca Whitla made in December 2020

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Email
On Key

Related Posts

17th Sunday After Pentecost

This Sunday we read from Jonah and Gospel of Matthew. Readers include Vivian Harrower and Bill Aide. Music coordinated by Allison Leyton-Brown. Service Recording

16th Sunday After Pentecost

This Sunday we read from Gospel of John and Matthew. Rev. Pam Trondson offers a homily. Music coordinated and performed live by Allison Leyton-Brown. A

15th Sunday After Pentecost

This Sunday we enter into the Season of Creation. Join us as we read from Amos and Gospel of John. Our Service begins with a

14th Sunday After Pentecost

Today we read from Paul’s Letter to the Romans and the Gospel According to Matthew. The Homily is offered by Becca Whitla and Marty Crowder.

13th Sunday After Pentecost

Today we read Romans and The Gospel According to Matthew. Rev. Pam Trondson offers the homily. A Sermon from Pam Trondson Full Service Recording with