The Twelve Day of Christmas

Day 11 - Watchman, Tell Us of the Night

Watchman, Tell Us of the Night is a beloved Christian hymn about hope and the coming of Jesus. The poem, written in 1825 by John Bowring (1792-1872), is a dialog between a Watchman and Traveler. The Watchman asks for news of the night, and the Traveler answers, describing a glorious star heralding the dawn of God's promised day. "This hymn evokes a vivid childhood memory. Two men with deep, sonorous voices sang this song at the Christmas Eve midnight service each year for as long as I can remember. The church was dark, the watchman's solitary lantern giving the only light in a hushed sanctuary. The watchman stood at the altar, and the traveler slowly made his way down the aisle, as the two sang the question-reply verses to each other. It was hard to miss the symbolism of the lonely traveler making his way to the One Who provides light to a dark world." (from the website Hymns and Carols of Christmas)

This poem is known in two memorable settings: an 1831 version by the American composer Lowell Mason; and a music setting that uses the famous tune, Aberystwyth, written by Welsh composer Joseph Parry (in the late 1800s) which perfectly captures the anticipation of the Messiah's arrival.

1. Watchman, tell us of the night,

    What its signs of promise are.

Traveler, over yon mountain's height,

    See that glory beaming star.

Watchman, does its beauteous ray

    Aught of joy or hope foretell?

Traveler, yes - it brings the day,

    Promised day of Israel.

2. Watchman, tell us of the night;

    Higher yet that star ascends.

Traveler, blessedness and light,

    Peace and truth its course portends.

Watchman, will its beams alone

    Gild the spot that gave them birth?

Traveler, ages are its own;

    See, it bursts over all the earth.

3. Watchman, tell us of the night,

    For the morning seems to dawn.

Traveler, darkness takes its flight,

    Doubt and terror are withdrawn.

Watchman, let thy wanderings cease;

    Hie thee to thy quiet home.1

Traveler, lo! the Prince of Peace,

    Lo! the Son of God is come!

Watchmen, Tell Us of the Night (Mason) - William Appling Singers

Watchmen, Tell Us of the Night (Mason) - Lillian Ember, piano

Watchmen, Tell Us of the Night (Charles Ives, based on Mason) - William Parker & Dalton Baldwin

Ives also used Mason's tune in his Symphony No. 4

Watchmen, Tell Us of the Night (Parry) - Choir of St. Peter-in-Chains Chapel, Fort Loudon, PA

Watchmen, Tell Us of the Night (Parry) - CJ Renzi, guitar