Coventry Carol
Joan Baez · Other Songs - Joan Baez
Loo lee loo laLullay, Thou little tiny Child,
Bye, bye, loo lee loo lay.
Lullay, Thou little tiny Child.
By, by, lully, lullay.
O sisters, too, how may we do,
For to preserve this day,
This poor Youngling for whom we sing,
By, by, lully, lullay.
Herod the King, in his raging,
Charged he hath this day,
His men of might, in his own sight,
All children young, to slay.
Then woe is me, poor Child, for Thee,
And ever mourn and say,
For Thy parting, nor say nor sing,
By, by, lully, lullay
Bye, bye, loo lee loo lay.
Lullay, Thou little tiny Child.
By, by, lully, lullay.
O sisters, too, how may we do,
For to preserve this day,
This poor Youngling for whom we sing,
By, by, lully, lullay.
Herod the King, in his raging,
Charged he hath this day,
His men of might, in his own sight,
All children young, to slay.
Then woe is me, poor Child, for Thee,
And ever mourn and say,
For Thy parting, nor say nor sing,
By, by, lully, lullay
Coventry Carol - Joan Baez
Joan Baez's rendition of the Coventry Carol stands as a defining example of her early work blending traditional folk with social consciousness. Originally a Christmas carol rooted in English history, Baez's version transformed the melody into a powerful anthem for the anti-Vietnam War movement during the 1960s. Her vocal delivery, characterized by a clear, unadorned tone, allowed the lyrics to resonate deeply with listeners seeking both spiritual reflection and political solidarity. This recording exemplifies her ability to adapt historical material into contemporary expressions of peace and justice, cementing her status as a pivotal figure in the folk revival era.