The Huron Carol – Traditional Canadian Carol
This carol was written in 1643 by Jean de Brebuef (a Jesuit missionary) for the
Huron people of the Sainte-Marie region of Quebec.
Am G Dm Em7 Am Em7 Am
'Twas in the moon of winter-time when all the birds had fled,
Am G Dm Em7 Am G Am
That mighty Gitchi Manitou sent angel choirs instead;
C Em Am G Am G Am E
Before their light the stars grew dim, and wond’ring hunters heard the hymn:
Am G F E Am Em7 Am Em Am E7 Am
"Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, In excelsis gloria."
Am G Dm Em7 Am Em7 Am
Within a lodge of broken bark the tender Babe was found,
Am G Dm Em7 Am G Am
A ragged robe of rabbit skin enwrapp'd His beauty round;
C Em Am G Am G Am E
But as the hunter braves drew nigh, the angel song rang loud and high...
Am G F E Am Em7 Am Em Am E7 Am
"Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, In excelsis gloria."
Am G Dm Em7 Am Em7 Am
O children of the forest free, O sons of Manitou,
Am G Dm Em7 Am G Am
The Holy Child of earth and heaven is born today for you.
C Em Am G Am G Am E
Come kneel before the radiant Boy who brings you beauty, peace and joy.
Am G F E Am Em7 Am Em Am E7 Am
"Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, In excelsis gloria."
Am G Dm Em7 Am Em7 Am
The earliest moon of winter-time is not so round and fair,
Am G Dm Em7 Am G Am
As was the ring of glory on the helpless infant there;
C Em Am G Am G Am E
The chiefs from far before him knelt with gifts of fox and beaver pelt.
Am G F E Am Em7 Am Em Am E7 Am
"Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, In excelsis gloria."