Nazareth Lyrics
St Bernadette KidsNazareth
[Verse 1]Things are really cool
In Nazareth
Our city is full of joy
'Cause this is where girl meets boy
Barely out of school
In Nazareth
There is no hand in hand
This is no one-night stand
The wedding is being planned
Here in Nazareth
[Bridge]
Nazareth, a place to live
Always willing to forgive
Nazareth will bring us well
We can hear those wedding bells (Wedding bells)
[Verse 2]
Feeling in a fix
In Nazareth
Rules are to be obeyed
Arrangements are being made
Got to get your kicks
In Nazareth
Baby, you'll run away
Start off a brand new day
Still, you cannot betray
Good old Nazareth
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
- “Sparkle & Shine” – Nativity! cast
Another glitter-bomb anthem from the same soundtrack, celebrating underdogs who refuse to dim their light. - “Welcome to the Rock” – Come From Away
Swaps Holy Land for Newfoundland, but both songs glorify small communities opening their arms to newcomers. - “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