I saw three ships come sailing in (Traditional)

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Harmonisations

(Posted 2017-11-20) CPDL #47613:

Editor: Andrew Sims (submitted 2017-11-20). Score information: A4, 1 page, 53 kB Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: For SATB.

(Posted 2008-12-29) CPDL #18460:

Editor: Rod Mather (submitted 2008-12-29). Score information: A4, 1 page, 21 kB Copyright: Personal

Edition notes: Arranged by John Stainer.

(Posted 2004-05-20) CPDL #07066:

Editor: Edward L. Stauff (submitted 2004-05-20). Score information: Letter, 1 page Copyright: Personal

Edition notes: Arranged by Edward L. Stauff.

(Posted 2000-11-27) CPDL #01707:

Editor: Christopher R. Baker (submitted 2000-11-27). Score information: Unknown Copyright: CC BY 1.0

Edition notes: Arranged by John Stainer.

Arrangements

(Posted 2008-12-08) CPDL #18512:

Editor: Burkhart M. Schürmann (submitted 2008-12-08). Score information: A4, 4 pages, 67 kB Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Arranged by Burkhart M. Schürmann. Arr. for SAB a cappella

(Posted 2013-09-10) CPDL #30095:

Editor: David Millard (submitted 2013-09-10). Score information: Letter, 5 pages, 43 kB Copyright: Personal

Edition notes: Arranged by David Millard. For SSA or SAA chorus with soprano solo. The tune is combined with 'We Three Kings', 'Vom Himmel hoch' and 'The Sussex Carol'.

General Information

Title: I saw three ships come sailing in
Composer: Anonymous (Traditional)

Number of voices: 4, 3vv Voicings: SATB and SAB
Genre: Sacred, Carol

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1880 in Christmas Carols New and Old (John Stainer), no. 64
Description: Appeared in Christmas Carols, Ancient and Modern, by William Sandys (London: Richard Beckley, 1833)

External websites:

Original text and translations

English text

1.
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas day in the morning.

2.
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day?
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas day in the morning?

3.
Our Saviour Christ and His lady,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
Our Saviour Christ and His lady,
On Christmas day in the morning.

4.
Pray whither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day?
Pray whither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas day in the morning?

5.
O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas day in the morning.

6.
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas day in the morning.

7.
And all the angels in Heav’n shall sing,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
And all the angels in Heav’n shall sing,
On Christmas day in the morning.

8.
And all the souls on Earth shall sing,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
And all the souls on Earth shall sing,
On Christmas day in the morning.

9.
Then let us all rejoice amain,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
Then let us rejoice amain,
On Christmas day in the morning.

German translation

Ich sah drei Schiffe in den Hafen segeln
am Weihnachtstag,
ich sah drei Schiffe in den Hafen segeln
am Weihnachtstag am Morgen.

Und was war in diesen drei Schiffen? …
Christ unser Retter und Maria …
Sag, wohin segelten diese drei Schiffe? …
Oh, sie segelten nach Bethlehem …
Und alle Glocken auf Erden sollen läuten …
Und alle Engel im Himmel sollen singen …
Dann lasst uns alle frohlocken …

I saw three ships come sailing in (Traditional)

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