The beloved Christmas carol "Do You Hear What I Hear" was made famous by Bing Crosby in 1963 and sung by a host of other musical artists from Perry Como to Whitney Houston. It has become a Christmas classic that fills our home whenever we choose to start listening to Christmas Music. In my family, "Do You Hear What I Hear" is the song that kicks off the Christmas season and reminds us of the joy we have to proclaim the Christ child is born. But what is the message behind "Do You Hear What I Hear?" What makes this Christmas hymn unique and powerful?
What is the Background of "Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Noel Regney, a French World War II veteran, wrote the lyrics of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" in 1962. Gloria Shayne, Noel's wife, composed the music. The couple was well known for other children’s songs such as “Rain, Rain Go Away," “Sweet Little Darlin,’" and “What’s the Use of Crying." What is unique about "Do You Hear What I Hear" among Regney and Shayne's music, however, is that Gloria usually wrote the lyrics and Noel the music, but the roles were switched in this song.
Regney and Shayne wrote this Christmas hymn during the climax of the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. The conflict lasted from October 16th to October 28th, 1962. The crisis itself was caused by the discovery of photographic evidence that the Cuban government allowed the Soviet Union to host medium—and long-range nuclear missiles.
Two years after the end of World War II, political tension continued between the United States and the Soviet Union, starting what is known as the Cold War between the two global powers. President John F. Kennedy’s decision to set up a naval blockade to prevent more Soviet missiles from reaching Cuba resulted in the Cuban Missile Crisis, leaving many Americans concerned and fearing a nuclear attack.
These political tensions were large factors driving Noel Regeny and Gloria Shayne to write the song ‘Do You Hear What I Hear." Kyle Haskins of BeatCrave.com states,” Regney was deeply disturbed by the conflict that threatened to plunge the world into chaos, and he felt compelled to compose a song that would resonate with people and inspire them to hope for peace.”
The song was released after Thanksgiving 1962 and sung by the Harry Simeone Chorale, and later made into a popular hit by Bing Crosby in October of 1963.
What are the Lyrics of “Do You Hear What I Hear?”
It has been said that this “beautiful and moving song is a perfect reflection of the peace and tranquility of the Christmas season.” Much of the focus of the song “Do You Hear What I Hear” is on quiet conversations between two characters that are vastly different. Let's look at the lyrics below:
Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see?
(Do you see what I see?)
Way up in the sky, little lamb
Do you see what I see?
(Do you see what I see?)
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kiteSaid the little lamb to the shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear?
(Do you hear what I hear?)
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear?
(Do you hear what I hear?)A song, a song high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the seaSaid the shepherd boy to the mighty king
Do you know what I know? (Do you know what I know?)
In your palace warm, mighty king
Do you know what I know? (Do you know what I know?)A Child, a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring him silver and gold
Let us bring him silver and goldSaid the king to the people everywhere
Listen to what I say! (Listen to what I say!)
Pray for peace, people, everywhere
Listen to what I say! (Listen to what I say!)
The Child, the Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light
The song starts with the "Night Wind," a large, strong force of nature talking to a weak and small lamb. Once the Night Wind points out the large star in the night, the little lamb goes to tell the shepherd boy, her master, and protector, but also a boy, about what she has been told. This is followed by the young and poor shepherd boy going to see the "mighty king" to tell him what he has been told.
At this point in the song is the first mention of a child or baby that references the Christ child born in Bethlehem. Next, the king declares to “people everywhere” that the child will bring goodness and light which communicates that the child born in the cold is more than a new baby, but one who will bring peace to the world.
The calm melodies suggest peace, while the declarations of each character escalate to a hope that is for all people, all of which centers around the birth of a child who is the Son of God and Savior of the world.
The journey of the "Do You Hear What I Hear?" message from a whisper in the wind to all the people is representative of Jesus’ journey on this earth, from a baby in a manger to a carpenter, rabbi, Savior, and future King of Kings. The song proclaims a message of hope, goodness, and joy.
How Does "Do You Hear What I Hear?" Point to the Christmas Story?
While the song doesn’t make direct references to God or the Christ child, several verses of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" focus on key elements of the Nativity Story.
In the first verse of the song, the Night Wind tells the lamb about the “Star in the night, with the tail as big as a kite." One element of the nativity story is the star that leads the Magi to the new king of the Jews (Matthew 2:2).
In the second verse, the lamb talks to the shepherd boy about a song being sung in the sky, which is reminiscent of the host of Angels announcing Jesus’ birth to shepherds with a song.
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to me on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:13-14).
Next, the shepherd boy goes to the king, telling him that a "child shivers in the cold" and "let us bring him silver and gold." There are two ways to point this verse to the Nativity story. You could suggest that the King the shepherd boy is talking to is one of the Kings or Magi that visit Jesus, bringing him gifts. You can also see how this verse could reference Luke 2:17-18. Once the shepherds saw the Christ-child on the night of his birth, they went out and told others what they had seen and heard.
The final verse of Do You Hear What I Hear seems less about the Nativity Story and more about the purpose of Jesus coming to earth, as told to us in Isaiah 9:6-7.
“For unto us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace, there will be no end.”
The song’s powerful message of praying for peace declares that the child born will bring goodness to the world. In October 1962, many, like Noël Regney and Gloria Shayne, were likely praying for peace and hope amidst tense times. "Do You Hear What I Hear" beautifully reminds us that Jesus Himself is the true source of peace.
Why is the "Do You Hear What I Hear?" Still Relevant Today?
Today’s political tensions, though different, are strangely similar to those of 1962, with wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6), nuclear threats, and global unrest continuing to shape our world. Yet, the hope and lasting peace found in Jesus remains unchanged, grounded in His life, death, and resurrection. "Do You Hear What I Hear?" masterfully invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and find peace in the message of Christ.
This song can also remind Christians during the holiday season that we are to tell others why Jesus came. We can speak it softly like the wind and the lamb or loudly like the shepherd boy and the king so that everyone can know the Prince of Peace, Jesus.
Why is "Do You Hear What I Hear?" a Powerful Christmas Hymn?
The power of this Christmas hymn lies in recognizing that the child born at Christmas is truly the Messiah, the Prince of Peace. Written during a time of global tension, the song serves not just as a catchy Christmas melody, but as a heartfelt plea and reminder of the true source of our hope.
Peace, goodness, and light are repeated words in the song's main chorus, which is the goal and culmination of who Jesus was and what he did not only at Christmas but what he continues to do and bring today as the risen Savior. Often in the hustle and bustle of all the celebrating, we can lose track of the peace and joy that is the heart behind Jesus being born in a manger.
“Do You Hear What I Hear’ is a powerful Christmas hymn that I hope will fill you with peace and joy this holiday season as you reflect on the message that Jesus brings us the "goodness and light" we so desperately need.
Further Reading:
25 Christmas Hymns to Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/vovan13
You can find out more about Valerie, her books, and her blog at www.valeriefentress.com.
