Once In Royal David's City
Petula Clark · Other Songs - Petula Clark
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 mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Saviour holy.
Jesus is our childhood's pattern,
Day by day like us He grew;
He was little, weak, and helpless,
Tears and smiles, like us, He knew;
And He feeleth for our sadness,
And He shareth in our gladness.
And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love.
For that Child so dear and gentle
Is our Lord in heav'n above;
And He leads His children on
To the place where He is gone.
Once In Royal David's City
Petula Clark's recording of the traditional carol "Once In Royal David's City" showcases her versatility beyond her signature pop hits. While widely celebrated for upbeat chart-toppers like "Downtown" and "You're The Only One," Clark brings a refined, emotive quality to this sacred standard. The performance highlights her ability to navigate different musical landscapes, moving from energetic pop to the solemnity of classical choral traditions. This rendition serves as a testament to her enduring presence in the music industry, demonstrating how a seasoned vocalist can reinterpret familiar material with grace. The track remains a cherished example of her broader discography, appealing to listeners who appreciate both her commercial success and her capacity for heartfelt, traditional performances.