PagineWe Three Kings is a 1857 Christmas carol that begins “We three kings of Orient are; Bearing gifts we traverse afar…”. Below are the full public-domain lyrics to print and sing, links to free sheet music, its history and fun actions for kids.
We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Glorious now behold him arise;
King and God and sacrifice:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Sounds through the earth and skies.
O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
We Three Kings · words: John Henry Hopkins Jr. (1857) · music: John Henry Hopkins Jr. · public domain · printed from pagineapp.com
Full hymn and choir arrangements of We Three Kings are free because the song is in the public domain. Download them from these non-profit libraries:
We Three Kings of Orient Are was written in 1857 by John Henry Hopkins Jr. for a Christmas pageant in New York. It tells of the wise men following the star. (We include the opening and closing verses, best suited to young children.)
Walk slowly like travelling kings, following a “star” held up high.
All Christmas carols & songs → · Christmas stories for kids →
The words are by John Henry Hopkins Jr. (1857) and the music is by John Henry Hopkins Jr.; it dates from 1857.
Yes. We Three Kings is in the public domain, so the lyrics on this page are free to print and sing at home, school or church.
We Three Kings is a good fit for children aged 4+. Try the actions on this page to keep little ones singing along.
🗓️ Updated October 2026