Another offering from the out-of-print song book of the late Ida McLeod (Neal McLeod’s kohkom) and Freda Ahenakew. Wouldn’t it be great if someone could record this for posting here?
The text in Cree reads:
[chorus (repeat after verse)]
âsay manito-âwasis / ayisîyinînâhk wîcihiwêw
âsay manito-âwasis / Bethlehemihk nihtâ-wîkiw.
[verse]
kayâs ohci ohtâcimâw / tahki ohcâsiwâpamâw
êkwa ê-otihtikoyahk / mâmawi-mamîhcimâtâk
One (of many) English version(s) appears in Geoffery Brace’s Carol for Carol Singers, Cambridge University Press, 1991:
Sing aloud the child is born, / This is a time for celebrating
Sing aloud the child is born / Now the day at last is here
We have waited four thousand years, / Now the day is at last upon us.
We have waited four thousand years, / Now the day at last is here.
Need to hear the melody? From France, the carol in its original French, sung by Les Petits Chanteurs d’Aix (“The Little Singers of Aix” in France): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e-puCV26kI
6 Responses
Hi! This is super cool, I’m really happy to see these lyrics available! My mom is from up north and I was thinking about this song recently, it being December and all. I looked up what she had sung to me (the Cree lyrics) out of interest and found this site. Thanks so much for posting this! I’m so glad to see these sorts of things being archived and shared.
Thanks so much for letting me know. This is exactly what I hope to provide here. Very best wishes to you and your mom!
My mom actually went to a recording studio and did this song. I’ll have to ask her if she would allow it to be posted here since she sells a Christmas cree hymn CD. We are Alberta canada
That would be lovely!Thanks, Melissa!
My mom has recorded the full version.
That sounds so cool, Melissa. If your mom is ever willing to share her recording, I’d sure be pleased to post it!