Little Donkey

Vera Lynn

About Little Donkey

Little Donkey is a popular Christmas carol, written by English songwriter Eric Boswell which describes the journey by Mary the mother of Jesus to Bethlehem on the donkey of the title. It was No. 1 in the UK Sheet Music Chart from mid November 1959 until the end of the year, and a recording by Nina & Frederik reached No. 3 the following Christmas. The song has also been recorded by Gracie Fields, The Beverley Sisters, Vera Lynn, Aled Jones and many others, and it is a traditional part of the festive season and nativity plays for many young children. In the 21st century the song has become something of a signifier of childhood Christmas in popular culture having featured in the comedy acts of Alan Carr, Russell Brand and especially in The Ricky Gervais Show which featured a running gag about Karl Pilkington's drum performance of the song. 


Year:
2006
3:45
1,420 
#4

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Little donkey, little donkey on the dusty road
Got to keep on plodding onwards with your precious load
Been a long time, little donkey, through the winters night
don't give up now, little donkey, 
Bethlehems in sight

Ring out those bells tonight 
Bethlehem, Bethlehem
Follow that star tonight 
Bethlehem, Bethlehem

Little donkey, little donkey, had a heavy day
Little donkey, carry Mary safely on her way 
Little donkey, little donkey, journey's end is near
There are wiseman waiting for a sign to bring them here

Do not falter little donkey, there's a star ahead
It will guide you, little donkey, to a cattle shed

Ring out those bells tonight 
Bethlehem, Bethlehem
Follow that star tonight 
Bethlehem, Bethlehem

Little donkey, little donkey, had a heavy day
Little donkey, carry Mary, safely on her way
Little donkey, carry Mary, safely on her way

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Vera Lynn

Dame Vera Lynn, DBE (born Vera Margaret Welch on 20 March 1917) is an English singer, songwriter and actress whose musical recordings and performances were enormously popular during World War II. more »

4 fans

Written by: ERIC BOSWELL

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"Little Donkey" by Vera Lynn falls into the category of Christmas music as its lyrics focus on the tale of Mary's journey to Bethlehem on a donkey.
Artist Profile
Vera Lynn, the singer of "Little Donkey," was a British singer, songwriter, and actress, most famous during the WWII era because of her uplifting songs for the British troops.
Historical Significance
Vera Lynn (1917-2020) was often referred to as the "Force's Sweetheart," serving to uplift the spirits of millions during difficult times, including through songs like "Little Donkey."
Song Origin
"Little Donkey" was originally composed by Eric Boswell and has been covered by many artists over the years, including Vera Lynn.
Influence
Vera Lynn's rendition of "Little Donkey" has paved the way for a number of other artists to cover the song.
Public Reception
Over several decades, "Little Donkey" has become a classic, globally recognized Christmas carol, thanks in part to Lynn's popular rendition.
Musical Chart Performance
While "Little Donkey" did not reach the chart-topping heights of some of Vera Lynn's other songs, it remains a loved and regularly played piece of Christmas music.
Album Inclusion
"Little Donkey" was included in Vera Lynn's album "Vera Lynn Christmas," which showcases the warm, uplifting spirit she brings to these holiday classics.
Song Length
As is standard for many traditional carols, "Little Donkey" by Vera Lynn is relatively short, running for approximately two minutes.
Music Arrangement
The arrangement for "Little Donkey" by Vera Lynn is a simple orchestral accompaniment, allowing her beautiful vocal performance to shine through.

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