Nazareth Lyrics – Nativity!

Nazareth – A Cheeky Pop Carol From Nativity!

Song Credits

• Primary Vocalists: Original Nativity! film cast children
• Composers / Lyricists: Debbie Isitt & Nicky Ager
• Producer: Nicky Ager
• Album: Nativity! (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
• Release Date: 1 December 2009
• Label: Sony Music UK / Entertainment One
• Genres: Christmas Pop, Kids’ Show-tune
• Language: English
• Copyrights © 2009 Entertainment One Music / Mirrorball Films

Song Meaning and Annotations

“Nazareth” parachutes modern cheekiness into a biblical postcode. Instead of dusty donkeys and solemn hymns, the track paints Mary and Joseph’s hometown as the ultimate teen hang-out: “Things are really cool in Nazareth / Our city is full of joy.” Debbie Isitt’s script flips scripture into playground banter, while Nicky Ager layers jangly guitars and hand-clap drums that nod to early ’60s Merseybeat.

The verses read like a tourism jingle – part travel brochure, part school-yard gossip. Lines about obeying rules and planning weddings spoof traditional morality plays, yet the bridge sneaks in a softer message: forgiveness and community spirit define the town more than any miracle.

In the film the number erupts on a Coventry classroom stage. Cardboard palm trees, glitzy tinsel, and a beat that dares even the strictest head-teacher to shimmy. The children’s confident delivery underscores the movie’s core theme: imagination turns even RE homework into a pop concert.

Songs Sharing Similar Themes

1. “Sparkle & Shine” – Nativity! cast
   Another glitter-bomb anthem from the same soundtrack, celebrating underdogs who refuse to dim their light.
2. “Welcome to the Rock” – Come From Away
   Swaps Holy Land for Newfoundland, but both songs glorify small communities opening their arms to newcomers.
3. “Hooray for Hollywood” – Johnny Davis (1937)
   The old-school show-biz jive that Mr Poppy parodies in the film; “Nazareth” mirrors its tongue-in-cheek civic pride.

Questions and Answers

Why set a pop song in Nazareth?

The film reframes the Nativity story through primary-school eyes; turning a biblical town into a catchy hook helps pupils – and audiences – connect ancient history with modern life.

Is “Nazareth” historically accurate?

Accuracy isn’t the aim. The track is theatre-kid fantasy: think School Disco meets Sunday School.

Who sings the leads?

Solo lines rotate among the child actors; on the soundtrack they’re credited collectively as “Various Artists”.

Has the song crossed over beyond the movie?

Yes – it features in Nativity! The Musical (2017) where West End child ensembles belt it eight shows a week.

What key is it in?

Recorded in bright G-major, perfect for treble voices and classroom ukuleles.

Fan and Media Reactions

“Every December my Year 4s demand ‘Nazareth’ for the assembly warm-up – instant sugar rush.” – Primary-school music teacher blog

“The line ‘Baby, you’ll run away / Start off a brand new day’ is shockingly indie for a kids’ film.” – Twitter user @AltCarols

“Proves you can rhyme ‘Nazareth’ with ‘hand in hand’ if you sing it cute enough.” – TikTok lyric dissect

“Catchier than half the Christmas chart – why was this never a UK top 40 single?” – Reddit thread r/XmasBops

“My seven-year-old now calls Coventry ‘modern-day Nazareth’ – thanks, Debbie Isitt.” – Parent review on Amazon Prime