Coventry Carol is a Christmas carol that dates back to the 16th Century. The carol was performed as part of a mystery play called The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors. This carol presents the Massacre of the Innocents in which Herod the Great orders all male infants in Bethlehem killed. The lyrics of this haunting carol represent a mother’s lament for her doomed child. The author is unknown; the oldest known text was written down by Robert Croo in 1534, and the oldest known printing of the melody dates from 1591.

This is a standard, easy arrangement for four-part men. Feel free to print it and distribute it as much as needed. Merry Christmas!