We three kings of Orient are,
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
Chorus
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King for ever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.
Chorus
Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, all men raising,
Worship Him, God most high.
Chorus
About We Three Kings
John Henry Hopkins Jr, an American clergyman, wrote both the words and the music in 1857 for a Christmas pageant at the General Theological Seminary in New York. It was published a few years later, in 1863.
Each verse speaks for one of the travellers and the gift he brings: gold for a king, frankincense for God and myrrh, used in burial, as a sign of suffering to come. The Bible does not say how many wise men there were or that they were kings; the number three comes from the three gifts.
We Three Kings is traditional and out of copyright, so the words are free to print and sing at school, at church or at home. For printable sheets, download our free carols and activities pack (PDF).