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#61 CHILD OF THE MORNING

by Peter Kearney

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Scroll down to see FULL LYRICS & related CD/ Music Resources.

NOTE: 'Child of the Morning' (better known under the title 'Brightest and Best') is based on a hymn written in 1811 by the Anglican Bishop Reginald Heber to be sung at the feast of Epiphany. It has been sung to a number of tunes and the original words have 'evolved' from the original, as often happens in the folk tradition.

I first heard the version I sing on a recording by the Kentucky traditional singer Jean Ritchie, accompanying herself on the Appalachian dulcimer. Jean Ritchie (1922-2015) had a childhood memory of her grandmother sitting by the fire and singing the song quietly to herself on Twelfth Night.

This song is one of eighteen tracks on my Christmas CD 'How Far to Bethlehem?' See link in the 'available resources' section below.

lyrics

CHILD OF THE MORNING (Brightest and Best)
Hail the blest morn when the great mediator
Down from the regions of glory descends.
Shepherds go worship the Babe in the manger
Lo, for a God the great angels attend.

CHORUS: Brightest and best is the child of the morning.
Dawn on our darkness and lend us Thine aid.
Star of the East - the horizon, the dawning -
Guide where our Infant Redeemer is laid.

Cold on his cradle the dewdrops are shining.
Low lies his head with the beasts of the stall.
Angels adore him in slumber reclining -
Maker and Monarch and Saviour of all. CHORUS

Vainly we offer each ample oblation.
Vainly with gifts would his favour secure.
Richer by far is the hearts adoration.
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor. CHORUS

Words: Reginald Heber
Music: Traditional

credits

released December 18, 2020
AVAILABLE RESOURCES with links to Peter's online shop:
** This recording of 'Child of the Morning' is one of 18 tracks on Peter's Christmas CD: 'How Far to Bethlehem?': Available here: peterkearneysongs.com.au/product/356143
** PDF Music for 'Child of the Morning'. LINK: peterkearneysongs.com.au/product/615828

RECORDING is COPYRIGHT © 1999 Peter Kearney.
Registered with AMCOS Australia

THE RECORDING:
Recorded in 1999 at The Little Portion Studio, Welby, NSW
Arranged and produced by Peter Kearney
Lead vocal: CLAIRE PARKHILL
Harmony vocals: FELICITY PARKHILL
INSTRUMENTS: Guitar and synthesizer by PETER KEARNEY

ARTWORK in track-image by DOROTHY WOODWARD
Visit Dorothy's web-page: peterkearneysongs.com.au/dorothy-woodward-art

TO SEE ALL SONGS posted so far: peterkearney.bandcamp.com

SUBSCRIBE to Peter's song-posts via a simple form here: peterkearneysongs.com.au/home

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Peter Kearney Mittagong, Australia

Peter Kearney is an Australian songwriter and singer. His early folk-hymns 'Fill My House' & 'The Beatitudes' are internationally known. He has written many other songs of justice and peace, songs for children, and a musical-narrative on St. Francis of Assisi. His published recordings include 153 original songs.

LINKS BELOW are for Peter's:
- Website
- Online store
- Facebook Artist Page. ... more

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