About We Three Kings of Orient Are#
Unlike many carols, this one has a clear author. John Henry Hopkins Jr., an American clergyman, wrote both words and music around 1857 for a family Christmas pageant. It follows the Magi and their gifts, and it is one of the few widely sung carols centered on Epiphany rather than the manger.
Its minor key gives the tune a darker, marching color that stands out among cheerier carols. On a 6-hole ocarina the refrain reaches up to a high D and then steps back down, so it is worth shaping that rise and fall smoothly. Keep an eye on the F sharp, which is the note that colors the minor sound.
We Three Kings of Orient Are Lyrics#
We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never, Over us all to reign.
Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh, Prayer and praising, all men raising, Worship Him, God most high.
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom, Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice, Alleluia, Alleluia, Heaven to earth replies.
We Three Kings of Orient Are Ocarina Tab#
| B | A | G | E | Gb | G | Gb | E | |
| B | A | G | E | Gb | G | Gb | E | |
| G | G | A | A | B | B | D | C | B |
| A | B | A | G | Gb | E |