Family Force 5 - Do You Hear What I Hear? Lyrics
Lyrics
Do you hear what I, do you hear what I hear?
Uh, Do you hear what I, do you hear what I hear?
Do you hear what I, do you hear what I hear?
Eh-oh! Eh-oh! Do you hear what I hear? Do you hear it, now?
Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see
Way up in the sky little lamb
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
Do you hear what I, do you hear what I hear?
Said the little lamb to the shepard boy
Do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky shepard boy
Do you hear what I hear
A song, a song
High above the tree
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea
Said the shepard boy to the mighty king
Do you know what I know
In your palace wall mighty king
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 gold
Said the king to the people everywhere
Listen to what I say
Pray for peace people everywhere
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 child, the child
Sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
Video
Family Force 5 - Do You Hear What Hear
Meaning & Inspiration
Family Force 5 gifted the world with their rendition of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" on December 18, 2011, taking a beloved Christmas classic and infusing it with their distinctive energy. This particular version transcends a simple holiday tune, serving as a vibrant retelling of the Nativity story, deeply rooted in a call for peace and revelation. While the band is known for its dynamic soundscapes, it is the profound message within these lyrics, delivered with a sense of urgency, that truly resonates and invites a deeper spiritual contemplation.
The original "Do You Hear What I Hear?" was penned in 1962 by Noël Regney and Gloria Shayne Baker during the Cold War’s Cuban Missile Crisis, conceived as a heartfelt plea for peace amidst global tension. Its narrative structure is ingenious, forming a chain of communication where a single, pivotal observation about the birth of Christ is passed from one character to the next, growing in scope and significance. Family Force 5 embraces this structure, transforming it into a compelling dialogue that reminds us how divine truth often unfolds through humble messengers before reaching the multitudes.
Family Force 5’s interpretation immediately commands attention with its repetitive, almost chant-like opening: "Do you hear what I, do you hear what I hear? Uh, Do you hear what I, do you hear what I hear? Eh-oh! Eh-oh! Do you hear what I hear? Do you hear it, now?" This isn't merely a melodic flourish; it’s a direct, almost confrontational challenge to the audience, a sonic insistence to not just passively listen but to actively perceive the profound truth unfolding. It elevates the carol from a gentle reflection to an urgent, communal summons, mirroring the way faith calls for an engaged and responsive heart, demanding one truly "hear" and internalize the message.
The song begins with the night wind speaking to a little lamb, posing the question, "Do you see what I see?" The answer arrives as "A star, a star, dancing in the night, With a tail as big as a kite." This luminous image directly references the Star of Bethlehem, a celestial beacon described in Matthew 2:1-12, which guided the wise men to the birthplace of the newborn King. The wind, a subtle force of nature, becomes the initial herald, subtly revealing God's divine guidance manifest in the heavens, setting the stage for the unfolding miracle.
Next, the little lamb, having received this cosmic vision, turns to the shepherd boy, asking, "Do you hear what I hear?" The revelation is "A song, a song, High above the tree, With a voice as big as the sea." This imagery powerfully evokes the angelic host that appeared to the shepherds in the fields, as recounted in Luke 2:8-14. Their proclamation, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" was an overwhelming, magnificent sound, a chorus of divine praise and promise that must have felt as vast and boundless as the sea itself, confirming the star's silent testimony with an audible message of joy and peace.
The shepherd boy, now privy to both the celestial sign and the angelic chorus, approaches the mighty king, questioning, "Do you know what I know?" His message focuses on the raw humility of the situation: "A child, a child, Shivers in the cold," followed by an immediate call to action: "Let us bring him silver and gold." This poignant exchange captures the profound paradox of Christ's birth – the King of Kings arriving in such humble, vulnerable circumstances (Luke 2:7), yet worthy of the richest homage, echoing the wise men's presentation of costly gifts (Matthew 2:11). It's a reminder that true royalty is often found not in opulence, but in divine purpose and grace, demanding appropriate reverence from even earthly rulers.
Finally, the narrative culminates with the king addressing the people everywhere, instructing them, "Listen to what I say," and delivering the ultimate message: "Pray for peace people everywhere... The child, the child, Sleeping in the night, He will bring us goodness and light." This powerful conclusion ties the entire sequence of revelations back to the core identity and mission of Jesus. He is the Prince of Peace, as prophesied in Isaiah 9:6, and the Light of the World, as declared in John 8:12. His birth is not just an event for a select few, but a universal message of reconciliation, hope, and moral clarity for all humanity. This final call to pray for peace underscores the original carol's timeless message, framed within the unwavering truth that lasting peace and genuine goodness emanate from Christ alone. Through this powerful chain of witness, Family Force 5 doesn't just sing a carol; they present a compelling narrative of revelation, inviting everyone to truly "hear," understand, and ultimately embrace the transformative power of Christmas.