John Henry Hopkins Jr. was an American clergyman and hymnodist who composed both the lyrics and music for this Christmas carol.
At the time, he served as the rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and wrote the carol for a Christmas pageant in New York City.
It was first published in his collection Carols, Hymns and Songs in 1872. “We Three Kings” is notable for being one of the first widely popular Christmas carols written in the United States.
About the Song
“We Three Kings,” also known as “We Three Kings of Orient Are,” is a timeless Christmas carol.
This iconic song tells the story of the Magi, or Wise Men, who followed the star of Bethlehem to find the newborn Jesus, as narrated in the Gospel of Matthew.
The carol is notable for being one of the first widely popular Christmas songs written in the United States, and it was composed for a Christmas pageant in New York City.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | 1857 |
| Album | Christmas Song |
| Writers | John Henry Hopkins Jr. |
| Producers | John Henry Hopkins Jr. |
We Three Kings Lyrics by John Henry Hopkins
Verse 1: All
We three kings of orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain
Moor and mountain
Following yonder star
Chorus: All
O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
Verse 2: Melchior
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King for ever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign
Chorus: All
O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
Verse 3: Casper
Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high
Chorus: All
O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
Verse 4: Balthazar
Myrrh is mine
Its bitter perfume breathes
A life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone cold tomb
Chorus: All
O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
Verse 5: All
Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice!
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia
Heaven to earth replies
Chorus: All
O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
Similar Songs Like We Three Kings
If you appreciate the classic Christmas carol “We Three Kings,” explore these comparable seasonal selections as well:
- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen: This honored English tune conveys timeless charm and holiday with a melody that stirs nostalgia.
- Good King Wenceslas: Distinguished by its narrative structure and historical references, this piece delivers a distinctive combination of storytelling and conventional harmonies.
- O Holy Night: Presents a moving and dynamic composition with verses that seek into Christmas’s sacred meaning, creating a profoundly touching musical moment.
- Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella: This cherished French carol, rendered in English, communicates similar enthusiasm and delight with a spirited rhythm that embodies Christmas excitement.
- Gaudete: A medieval Latin hymn offering ancient modulation and authentic character, frequently performed with unaccompanied vocal harmonies, providing a special and powerful Christimas experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes We Three Kings Unique?
It is one of the first widely popular Christmas carols written in the United States, and its melody is in the Aeolian mode, creating a distinctive and haunting sound.
Why are We Three Kings Significant?
The carol is significant for its historical context and its role in American Christmas traditions. It has been included in influential collections like The Oxford Book of Carols.
What are the Gifts of the Magi in We Three Kings?
According to the carol, the Magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn Jesus, symbolizing royalty, divinity and mortality.
