by Gavin Reid

7 to 12 yrs  -  KS2, KS3  -  unison, optional second part  (3m 14s)

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Download includes – Piano-vocal score, lyric sheet, mp3 demo & backing tracks

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Theme – Christmas Story, Nativity, Kindness & Compassion 

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Content – The story of Mary and Joseph travelling to Bethlehem accompanied by a donkey is told in this song, with an emphasis on the enduring message of the innkeeper’s compassion. The sounds of the donkey's footsteps, the knocking on doors, the ticking of time and the beating of the newborn baby's heart - all these symbolise the lasting significance of the birth of Jesus throughout two millennia, along with the values of hope, kindness and generosity associated with Christmas.

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Lyrics Sample

Mary and Joseph, they were all on their own

But for one poor little donkey,

And they walked for many miles to Bethlehem.

They arrived in the town,

There were no rooms to be found,

It was a busy time of year -

But above the crowd came a sound so loud and clear.

    You could hear the clip, clip, clopping of a donkey,

    As they walked all night through Bethlehem -

    And the knock, knock, knocking at every door,

    When there was just no room at the inn.

There was an innkeeper man and he held out his hand

To the strangers in despair,

For he knew within his heart we all should share. 

      (We all should share)

So he led them aside to a stable behind,

Where the lowly cattle feed...

When you’re finding it hard to believe what you read

And the words that people say,

There’s a special time of year when you may change.

      (When you may change.)

Just remember that man, how he held out his hand,

On the first of Christmas Eves,

And if you sit quite still and listen carefully:

     [‘Clip, clop’ spoken x6]

You can hear the clip, clip, clopping of a donkey,

As they walked all night through Bethlehem 

And the tick, tick, tocking of the time gone by

since then.

You can hear the beat, beat, beating of a baby’s heart, 

born to be King,

And – the – clip, clip, clopping

And the tick, tick, tocking

And the beat, beat, beating

And the knock, knock, knocking...

When they found a little room at the inn!

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'The Donkey Song' features in the 10-song cantata 'Bells Ring Out'