The shepherds afar left their flocks by night
Followed the new star by its heavenly light
Did the lambs fear the wolves did they lay down and sleep

Who kept the sheep who kept the sheep
Did robbers not steal or did they fear the light
That the shepherds had followed night after night

Did they not stray did little lambs weep who kept the sheep who kept the sheep
Under the new star the new Saviour lay in his dim manger he lay on the hay
The shepherds that came had a vigil to keep

But who kept the sheep who kept the sheep who kept the sheep who kept the sheep