Dreikönigslied (“Song of the Three Kings”) is a German Epiphany song from the Alps.
With a sweet melody and yodel-like syllables, the song speaks of the Three Kings who travelled from afar. They followed the star over the sea and finally arrived at the Manger, where they worshipped Our Lord. It remarks at the Savior’s poverty, and begs this benignant God-Infant to have mercy on us sinners.
Dreikönigslied is here interpreted by Ranter Quartet..
Listen to Dreikönigslied
Lyrics:
Old German lyrics
Drei Könige ziehen vom Weiten her
Nach Bethlehem hier zu den Kindlein
Sie folgen den Stern bald über’s Meer
Und beten es an, das Jesulein,
Holedi holedi ho,
Im Stalle da drinnen im Kripplein.
Sie bringen ihm ihre Geschenke dar
Von Weihrauch, Myrrhe und Gold.
Wie ist doch der Heiland so nackt und arm
O gütiger Gott, Dich uns erbarm,
Holedi holedi ho,
Im Stalle da drinnen im Kripplein.
English translation:
Three Kings travel from afar
To Bethlehem to (visit) the small Child
They follow the star soon over the sea
And worship Him, the little Jesus,
Holedi holedi ho,
In the Manger inside the little Crib.
They bring Him gifts
Of frankincense, myrrh and gold.
Behold the Savior so deprived and poor.
O merciful God, have mercy on us,
Holedi holedi ho,
In the Manger inside the little Crib.
