Certain fit the line. It is possible that the shepherds were certainly poor.

Posted by Sheila December 23, 2003In reply to The First Noel lyric question... posted by ESC on December 23, 2003

This has been preying on my mind for decades. Some times I wake up and night and wonder. Many thanks in advance for any insights.

Camelita
Who clearly needs a new hobby

I do not know. I imagine the songwriter just threw in "certain" to make it sound right.