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What are the lyrics to ‘We Three Kings of Orient Are’, and who wrote the popular Christmas carol?

3 December 2020, 17:44

The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge performs at A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Picture: PA

By Rosie Pentreath

Its lilting rhythm and solemn minor key has ensured We Three Kings’ place as a distinctive and popular carol. But what are its origins and what are the lyrics?

‘We Three Kings’ (or ‘We Three Kings of Orient Are’) is an Aeolian mode Christmas carol dating from 1857.

The carol was composed by American clergyman and hymnodist, John Henry Hopkins Jr. and appeared in his Carols, Hymns and Songs collection in 1872. Its original use was for an elaborate Nativity drama Hopkins was staging.

It’s intended as an Epiphany carol, meaning it’s technically meant to be sung towards the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas (Epiphany is 6 January in 2020). But with its great tune and message of hope, the popular carol – which was originally published as ‘Three Kings of Orient’ – is still one of the most frequently performed throughout the entire Christmas season, including before Christmas Day.

The carol tells the story of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection – and the melody alternates between regal, minor-sounding Aeolian mode verses, in which the Three Wise Men announce what gifts they’re presenting to the son of God, and a major chorus joyfully proclaiming the beauty of the star guiding their way to the manger.