Do You Hear What I Hear?
The timeless carol “Do You Hear What I Hear” was written in 1962 by the lyricist-composer team of Noël Regney and Gloria Shayne Baker. It has since become a standard holiday tune, one which continues to soothe troubled souls each and every season. But what inspired the classic carol? What hidden meanings lie behind the enchanting chords and moving words? Let’s take a closer look.
The Power of Music
In 1962, war loomed ominously on the horizon. The Cuban Missile Crisis of that same year was the closest the United States and the Soviet Union have ever come to nuclear confrontation. So, when Regney and Baker set out to write a carol with a powerful message of peace and hope, it was no small feat.
They chose music as their mode of communication and conveyed the song’s message through a series of lasting symbols. One of the most powerful symbols employed in the carol is the image of a powerful king, one who comes in the form of a tiny baby, born in a lowly stable. This powerful and humble king is what Regney and Baker hoped could come to a two warring nations.
In the last line of the song, the narrator calls upon all of the world to hear the “powerful king of Kings”. Indeed, if all who fought could just recognize the power of one small child, perhaps peace could reign someday.
The Voice of Reason
Of course, it is easier said than done. “Do You Hear What I Hear?” is more than a simple carol. Its popularity comes from its ability to reach the heart of the listener, to make them reflect on their own, personal role in creating and maintaining peace.
The carol also emphasizes the power of words, of expressing oneself in a peaceful and non-violent way. Not only does the narrator urge his fellow man to listen to the message of the small, yet powerful king in the form of the baby Jesus, but he also emphasizes the fact that rational speech is necessary in order to create real peace. It’s as if the song is advising us to place words ahead of weapons, and to work towards a better future for all.
The Power of Faith
Ultimately, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” is a carol of faith. Its message tells us to keep our faith alive, no matter how dire the circumstances might seem. It tells us that anything is possible—even true peace between two warring countries—if one has faith, and is willing to take action.
So, as the season comes once more, let us all take a moment out of our busy lives to listen to the words of this timeless classic. Let’s reflect on its powerful message, and be reminded that faith can bring peace, even in the darkest of times.