The Friendly Beasts

By Robert Davis

Lyrics

1. Jesus, our brother, kind and good,
was humbly born in a stable rude,
and the friendly beasts around him stood;
Jesus, our brother, kind and good.

2. "I," said the donkey, shaggy and brown,
"I carried his mother uphill and down;
I carried his mother to Bethlehem town.
I," said the donkey, shaggy and brown.

3. "I," said the cow, all white and red,
"I gave him my manger for his bed,
I gave him my hay to pillow his head.
I," said the, cow all white and red.

4. "I," said the sheep with curly horn,
"I gave him my wool for his blanket warm;
he wore my coat on Christmas morn.
I," said the sheep with curly horn.

5. "I," said the dove from the rafters high,
"I cooed him to sleep that he should not cry;
we cooed him to sleep, my mate and I.
I," said the dove from the rafters high.

6. Thus every beast by some good spell,
in the stable dark was glad to tell
how they gave their gift to Emmanuel;
the gift they gave Emmanuel.

Bible Reference

Luke 2:7

About This Hymn

“The Friendly Beasts” is a traditional Christmas carol with origins tracing back to 12th-century France, where it was known as “Orientis Partibus.” The modern English version, familiar to many today, was adapted and popularized by Robert Davis in 1920. The carol is unique in its narrative style: it gives voice to the animals present at Christ’s Nativity, each one offering something to the newborn Savior. The donkey, cow, sheep, dove, and others express their humble gifts of service and devotion.

This hymn has been cherished in both sacred and folk traditions because of its gentle, childlike simplicity. By highlighting the contributions of animals, it conveys the message that all creation, even the lowliest creatures, has a part in glorifying Christ. The hymn reinforces the themes of humility and universal praise, reminding believers that devotion to the Lord is not confined to humans alone but is echoed in all of God’s creation.

Over the years, “The Friendly Beasts” has been recorded and arranged by many artists and choirs, keeping its medieval origins alive while making it accessible to modern audiences. It remains a favorite children’s carol during Christmas celebrations and nativity reenactments.