From the recording Ancient Ayres & Carols for Christmas
This carol is from a 15th century play from the city of Coventry, England, "The Pageant of the Shearmen and the Tailors" which depicted Herod's slaughter of the innocents, as told in the lyrics. Mystery plays performed at Christmas re-enacted Bible stories and were a means of helping ordinary people learn these stories. The tune first appeared around 1591.
Lyrics
COVENTRY CAROL
Lully, lullay, thou little tiny child, By by, lully, lullay,
Lully, lullay, thou little tiny child, By by, lully, lullay.
O sisters too, how may we do, for to preserve this day?
This poor Youngling for Whom we do sing, By by, lully, lullay.
Herod the king, in his raging, chargèd he hath this day,
His men of might, in his own sight, all children young to slay.
Then woe is me, poor Child for Thee and ever mourn and say,
For thy parting nor say nor sing, By, by, lully, lullay.
Lully, lullay, thou little tiny child, By by, lully, lullay,
Lully, lullay, thou little tiny child, By by, lully, lullay.