Little Donkey

1959 Christmas carol Cover of original 1959 edition of sheet music of Little Donkey Little Donkey is a popular Christmas carol, written by British songwriter Eric Boswell in 1959, which describes the journey by Mary the mother of Jesus to Bethlehem on the donkey of the title. The first version to chart was by Gracie Fields, followed a fortnight later by The Beverley Sisters, who overtook her in the charts by Christmas, peaking at No 14. A recording by Nina & Frederik reached No. 3 the following Christmas. The song has also been recorded by Vera Lynn, Aled Jones and many others, and it is a traditional part of the festive season and nativity plays for many young children.

Even though the tune dates back to 1959, its gentle waltz rhythm and simple lyrics make it the go‑to anthem for school nativity productions. The song’s narrative – a calm, steady journey to Bethlehem – mirrors the calm hope many families seek during the hectic festive season. Its modest range means even the youngest singers can join in without strain, turning a choir rehearsal into a confidence‑building moment. Over the decades, recordings by beloved voices like Vera Lynn and Aled Jones have reinforced its place as a comforting, inter‑generational bridge, turning a modest chart‑hit into a staple that feels as familiar as a Christmas pudding.

When selecting a version of "Little Donkey," consider the context. For a classroom nativity, a clear vocal with minimal orchestration – such as the Beverley Sisters’ original – helps children hear the story. For a cosy family gathering, richer arrangements like Aled Jones’s soothing tenor paired with a soft choir create a warm ambience. Pay attention to tempo: a brisk pace can add novelty, but the classic 3/4 time is what gives the song its lullaby quality. If you plan to play it on a sound system, choose a high‑resolution streaming or CD source to capture the subtle string accompaniment that often gets lost on low‑bitphone speakers.