The Coventry Carol is a reconstruction of a traditional carol text from the 16th century.
It uses as its reference point the massacre of the infants from Matthew 2.
Here’s one version of the lyrics.
1.
Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child,
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
Lullay, thou little tiny Child,
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
2.
O sisters too, how may we do,
For to preserve this day
This poor youngling for whom we do sing
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
3.
Herod, the king, in his raging,
Charged he hath this day
His men of might, in his own sight,
All young children to slay.
4.
That woe is me, poor Child for Thee!
And ever mourn and sigh,
For thy parting neither say nor sing,
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
Alison Moyet (remember her?) sings a great version of this song. Very clear and melodic vocal.
mgpcpastor's blog 