Lyrics
Verse 1
Sweet little Jesus boy
They made You be born in a manger
Sweet little Holy Child
And we didn't know who You were
Didn't know You'd come to save us, Lord
To take our sins away
Our eyes was blind, we couldn't see
And we didn't know who You were
Verse 2
The world treat You mean, Lord
They treat me mean too
Oh, but that's how things is down here
We just don't know who You is
You done told us how
And we is trying
Master, Lord, You done showed us how
Even when You was dying
Verse 3
Just seem like we can't do right
Look how we treated You
But please, Sir, forgive us, Lord
We didn't know it was You
Sweet little Jesus Boy
Born such a long time ago
Well, sweet little holy Child
And we didn't even know who You were
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
The song speaks to the infant Jesus in the tone of a spiritual lullaby, calling Him "Sweet little Jesus boy" and "Sweet little Holy Child." The words recall that He was born in a manger and that the people around Him did not recognize who He was. Repeated lines such as "We didn't know it was You" give the text a tone of confession, spoken by a group looking back on its own blindness.
The second verse widens the focus from the nativity to the cross. It mentions that the world treated Him harshly and that He showed the way "even when You was dying," then asks for forgiveness for how He was treated. Luke's account of the manger and the announcement to the shepherds gives background to the first part, while Isaiah's description of a despised servant offers a cautious parallel for the second part.
The mix of Christmas imagery and a plea for pardon places the piece among carols that stay with the cost of the incarnation as well as its gentleness. Its plain wording and slow repetition suit both congregational and solo singing.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:7 The birth of Jesus in a manger because there was no room at the inn.
- Isaiah 53:3 The servant is described as despised and not esteemed.
- Luke 23:34 Jesus asks for forgiveness for those who crucified Him.