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I Saw Three Ships

I Saw Three Ships is an English Christmas carol that, traditionally, speaks of the story of the ships which delivered the relics of the Magi to Cologne Cathedral in the 12th century.

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 whp 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.

Church Calendar: Christmas

Standard Version:
”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $7.00 US
G5-based practice track: $2.00 US
F5-based practice track: $2.00 US


This arrangement is also included in Larry and Carla’s Eight-Bell Christmas Collection.

“Surprisingly Easy”™ Version:
”Dual-Range”™ Score Package: $5.00 US
G5-based practice track: $2.00 US
F5-based practice track: $2.00 US


This arrangement is also included in Larry and Carla’s Second “Surprisingly Easy”™ Eight-Bell Christmas Collection.

Other arrangements available for twelve handbells.

Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four 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.

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