Lyrics
Do you hear what I hear?
(Hear what I hear, hear what I hear?)
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 kite
Said 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 tree
With a voice as big as the the sea
With a voice as big as the the sea
Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king
Do you know what I know? (what I know, what I know?)
In your palace warm, mighty king
Do you know what I know? (what I 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 gold
Said the king to the people everywhere
Listen to what I say! (what I say, what I say)
Pray for peace, people, everywhere
Listen to what I say! (what I say, 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
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
The song retells the Christmas announcement through a chain of witnesses. The night wind speaks to a lamb, the lamb calls a shepherd, and the shepherd carries news of the Child to a king. Each exchange widens the scene, moving from a star in the night sky to a song heard above the trees and finally to a public call for peace. The repeated questions create anticipation as the message passes from creation to ordinary people and then to earthly authority.
The Child remains the center of every image. His humble cold surroundings contrast with the warm palace, while silver and gold acknowledge royal dignity. Luke 2:8-14 closely supports the shepherds, heavenly proclamation, and message of peace found in the lyric. Matthew 2:1-11 supplies the related images of the star, the royal Child, and costly gifts. The final promise of goodness and light presents the Nativity as hope extending to people everywhere.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:8-14 Angels announce the birth of Christ to shepherds and proclaim peace.
- Matthew 2:1-11 The wise men follow a star to the Child and present valuable gifts.