I Saw Three Ships is an English carol that dates back to the seventeenth or eighteenth century. Some people think that the “three ships” were the camels (aka “ships of the desert”) that the Magi rode on their way from the east to Bethlehem. Whether or not this is the reference made by the text, the carol has remained a favorite for centuries – and now it’s available from Choraegus as a new twelve-bell work!
Our new arrangement of this Christmas song for twelve handbells has versions in Bb major (C5-G5) and C major (D5-A6), so be sure to use the BUCs on the webpage to verify that you have all of the bells you need.
I saw three ships come sailing in on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
I saw three ships come sailing in on Christmas Day in the morning.
And who was in those ships all three on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
And who was in those ships all three on Christmas Day in the morning?
Our Saviour Christ and his ladye on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Our Saviour Christ and his ladye on Christmas Day in the morning.
Pray whither sailed those ships all three on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
Pray whither sailed those ships all three on Christmas Day in the morning?
O they sailed into Bethlehem on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
O they sailed into Bethlehem on Christmas Day in the morning.
And all the bells on Earth shall ring on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the bells on Earth shall ring on Christmas Day in the morning.
And all the angels in Heaven shall sing on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the angels in Heaven shall sing on Christmas Day in the morning.
And all the souls on Earth shall sing on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the souls on Earth shall sing on Christmas Day in the morning.
Purchasing this 12-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to six copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment score, if part of the purchase) – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
