The history of this familiar carol is unsure although believed to be English in origin. Some mystery is connected to the interpretation of the “three ships” once thought to represent the three wise men, now considered to represent the holy family. This simple carol sets five stanzas of the text bringing variety through the accompaniment. The four-measure introduction establishes the flowing 6/8 meter with dancing eighth notes moving below the melody. Stanza four slightly slows the tempo, moves f...