But the idea that there are an exorbitant number of Christmas carols suggests that there are at least some that are quality creations, that make us think about what in life is really important. Music always speaks to me -- makes me laugh, think or cry -- but at Christmas I'm even more susceptible to laughter, quiet contemplation and tears. Because of that, I wanted to highlight a few of the songs I look forward to hearing each holiday season.
For the overt laugh factor: Jon Stewart's song on A Colbert Christmas.
For its amazing but everyday imagery: Dave Matthews' A Christmas Song. Those lyrics are included in yesterday's December Daily.
For its beautiful message that there are worse things to believe in than peace, love and understanding: Elvis Costello's song on A Colbert Christmas.
There is one song, though, that stops me dead in my tracks when I hear it sung acapella and in the standard African-American spiritual version. Two years ago it was my father who sang it, and he wept so fiercely that he could not get through it. I wept right along with him. And when a man at the back of the church yelled in support for him to continue, I looked back and noticed that my mother, brother and sister-in-law all wept along with us. It sent chills down my spine.
That song is "Sweet Little Jesus Boy." This version, apparently performed less than 2 weeks ago in NYC, is particularly good. The gentleman's voice who sings it is incredibly talented. Those lyrics, below, are included in today's December Daily.
Sweet little Jesus boy
They made You be born in a manger
Sweet little holy child
We didn't know who You was
Didn't know You come to save us, Lord
To take our sins away
Our eyes was blind
We could not see
We didn't know who You was
Long time ago
You was born
Born in a manger low
Sweet little Jesus boy
The world treat you mean, Lord
Treat me mean, too
But that's how things are down here
We don't know who You is
You done showed us how
We's a tryin'
Master, You done showed us how
Even You was dyin'
Just seem like we can't do right
Look how we treated You
But please, sir, forgive us, Lord
We didn't know 'twas You
Sweet little Jesus boy
Long, long time ago
Sweet little holy child
We didn't know who You was