About the Song “Long Time Ago in Bethlehem

The song “Long Time Ago in Bethlehem” was first written in 1956 by Jester Hairston, an American songwriter. He wrote it as a Christmas carol to tell the story of the birth of Jesus. Later, the famous singer Harry Belafonte made it very popular when he recorded it in 1957.

Since then, many choirs, schools, and churches have sung the song every Christmas. Some people call it Mary’s Boy Child, but the words “long time ago in Bethlehem” are the start of the lyrics, so that name also became common.

Because the melody is slow and gentle, it is perfect for choirs and children. That is why many teachers prepare it in tonic solfa for choir practice. It is also one of the most loved Christmas songs in tonic solfa notation for beginner piano and voice students.

Long Time Ago in Bethlehem Tonic Solfa

Here are the full lyrics of “Long Time Ago in Bethlehem”, also called Mary’s Boy Child. Having the words makes it easy to follow along when we add the solfa notation later. Many choirs and schools use these lyrics for Christmas carol tonic solfa practice.

These words tell the story of the birth of Jesus in a very simple way. When we join them with the long time ago in Bethlehem solfa notation, it becomes very easy to sing in choir practice or play on piano.

Long Time Ago in Bethlehem Tonic Solfa

Here is the Long Time Ago in Bethlehem solfa notation. The solfa shows you how to sing or play the song without reading staff notes. This is very useful for choir practice or if you are learning how to play Long Time Ago in Bethlehem on piano.

Line 1

Long time a – go

s      s s d^I

d^I stands for higher octave “d“.

Line 2

In Beth – le – hem

s l     f r

Line 3

So the Ho – ly

l    l s t

Line 4

Bi – ble say

l   f m

Line 5

Ma – ry’s boy child

s    m^I r^I d

m^I stands for higher octave “m“.
r^I stands for higher octave “r“.

Line 6

Je – sus Christ

l f r

Line 7

Was born

l    s

Line 8

On Christ – mas day

d^I t d^I r^I d^I

d^I stands for higher octave “d“.
r^I stands for higher octave “r“.

Hark now hear

m^I m^I  f^I

m^I stands for higher octave “m“.
f^I stands for higher octave “f“.

Line 10

The an – gels sing

m^I r^I r^I m^I

m^I stands for higher octave “m“.
r^I stands for higher octave “r“.

Line 11

A new King born

r^I d^I d^I  r^I

r^I stands for higher octave “r“.
d^I stands for higher octave “d“.

Line 12

to – day

d^I t l s

d^I stands for higher octave “d“.

Line 13

And man will live

s s m^I r^I

m^I stands for higher octave “m“.
r^I stands for higher octave “r“.

Line 14

Fo – re – ver more

d^I sl f r

d^I stands for higher octave “d“.

Line 15

Be – cause

l s

Line 16

Of Christ – mas day

d^I t d^I r^I d^I

d^I stands for higher octave “d“.
r^I stands for higher octave “r“.

Long Time Ago in Bethlehem Tonic Solfa Video

How to Use the Tonic Solfa for Practice

Learning Long Time Ago in Bethlehem tonic solfa is simple if you follow a few steps. Both singers and pianists can enjoy the song.

For Singers

• Read the lyrics with solfa notation line by line.
• Sing slowly first, matching each word to the solfa.
• Use “do, re, mi” sounds before adding the real words.
• In choir practice, let one group sing while the other listens. This helps with timing.

For Pianists

• Match each solfa sound to a piano key.
• Start with the right hand only.
• Play the solfa slowly, then add the lyrics.
• Once you are confident, try singing while you play. This is a fun way to learn how to play Long Time Ago in Bethlehem on piano

Long Time Ago in Bethlehem FAQ

Final Thoughts

“Long Time Ago in Bethlehem” is not just a song. It is a story of hope and joy. With the tonic solfa notation, everyone can sing along, even if they cannot read normal music notes. This Christmas, try singing it with your family, classmates, or choir.