Rolling Downward

Yorkshire is the home of a strong local tradition of Christmas caroling in village pubs. Rolling Downward comes from this repertoire.


Rolling downward through the midnight
Comes a glorious burst of heavenly song,
'Tis a chorus full of sweetness,
And the singers are an angel throng:
"Glory! Glory in the highest!
On the earth good-will and peace to men!"
Down the ages sound the echo,
Let the glad earth shout again.

Wondering shepherds see the glory,
Hear the word the shining ones declare,
At the manger, fall in worship,
While the music fills the quivering air:

Christ the Savior, God's Anointed,
Comes to earth our fearful debt to pay,
Man of sorrows, and rejected,
Lamb of God, that takes our sin away:


© Golden Hind Music