William Blake: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

Songs of Innocence/The Shepherd

William Blake

“Songs of Innocence/The Shepherd” as printed in Songs of Innocence and of Experience (1826) (1826).

William Blake: Collected Lyrics Text 21 1826 · historical text
Public domainSong lyricsRomantic
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from Songs of Innocence and of Experience (1826), a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

Transcription(contributor provided)

The Shepherd.

Verse 2

How sweet is the Shepherds sweet lot

From the morn to the evening he strays;

He shall follow his sheep all the day

And his tongue shall be filled with praise.

Verse 3

For he hears the lambs innocent call,

And he hears the ewes tender reply.

He is watchful while they are in peace,

For they know when their Shepherd is nigh.

Credits

Written by William Blake

Words by William Blake. Historical text published in Songs of Innocence and of Experience (1826) (1826); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

Songs of Innocence and of Experience (1826) (1826), “Songs of Innocence/The Shepherd”

Every text in this 1826 collection is by William Blake (1757-1827), who died more than 190 years ago, so the text is in the public domain worldwide; the edition carries a Wikisource PD-old determination.

How to read this historical text and its source

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-10-25. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
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