Once in Royal David's City

Once in Royal David's City began as a poem by Irish hymn-writer Cecil Frances Alexander, published in 1848, and was set to music the following year by English organist Henry John Gauntlett. For generations it has opened the famous Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King's College, Cambridge, traditionally begun by a single boy chorister singing the first verse.

Our Love to Sing choir keeps its gentle, storytelling melody clear and easy to follow, so everyone can learn the Nativity through song. It's a treasured choice for carol services, school nativities and singing at home.

Explore more Christian Christmas carols, or pair it with O Little Town of Bethlehem.