Jennifer Knapp - Sing Mary Sing Lyrics
Lyrics
Mary had a baby born in a manger
Mary what to do, Mary what to do?
Before the vow was made,
In your belly laid the King
Sing Mary, sing
lullaby the King
Born to be our Pardon
No longer shall we weep
Come soften what was hardened, girl
Sing Mary, sing
Herod with a vision now with a vengeance
Mary what to do, Mary what to do?
Flee to Galilee
Raise a baby King of Peace
Sing Mary, sing
Lullaby the King
Born to be our Pardon
No longer shall we weep
Come soften what was hardened, girl
Sing Mary, sing
Mary in your mourning
Turn now as you weep
Look to see a Savior
O, sing Mary, sing!
Sing Mary, Sing
Chorus
Video
Sing Mary Sing
Meaning & Inspiration
Jennifer Knapp's "Sing Mary Sing," released on November 20, 2001, as part of her album *The Way I Am*, stands as a profoundly moving and biblically rich reflection on the Nativity story and Mary's unique role within it. The song transcends a simple retelling, inviting us into the emotional and spiritual depths of Mary's journey, from bewilderment to sorrow, and ultimately to unwavering faith. Knapp crafts a narrative that is both intimate and epic, focusing on the core message of redemption and the divine calling placed upon an ordinary woman, urging her to embrace her extraordinary destiny.
The opening stanza plunges us into Mary’s initial predicament, confronting the scandalous reality of a pregnancy "before the vow was made." This echoes the confusion and potential societal ostracization Mary faced, as described in Matthew 1:18-19, where Joseph, her betrothed, considered discreetly divorcing her. Yet, the song immediately elevates this human dilemma to a divine truth: "In your belly laid the King." This powerful declaration references the Incarnation, the moment God became flesh, as highlighted in John 1:14 and Philippians 2:6-8, where Christ, though divine, took on human form. The repeated exhortation, "Sing Mary, sing," is not merely a request for a lullaby but a profound call to worship and an affirmation of God's sovereignty even in the midst of overwhelming circumstances, inviting Mary to embrace her role in God's grand design.
The heart of the song's message resonates most powerfully in its chorus, which beautifully articulates the redemptive purpose of Christ's birth. "Born to be our Pardon" encapsulates the essence of the gospel, where Jesus' life, death, and resurrection provide forgiveness for our sins, making atonement for humanity. This truth is central to verses like Romans 5:8, which states that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, and Ephesians 1:7, declaring that "in Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." The promise that "No longer shall we weep" speaks to the ultimate comfort and healing found in Christ, who wipes away every tear (Revelation 21:4). Furthermore, the plea "Come soften what was hardened, girl" extends beyond Mary's personal experience, inviting spiritual transformation for all who believe. This evokes scriptural promises such as Ezekiel 36:26, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh," and Psalm 51:10, a prayer for a clean heart and a steadfast spirit.
The narrative progresses to confront the very real dangers faced by the Holy Family. The second stanza depicts "Herod with a vision now with a vengeance," a direct reference to King Herod's desperate and murderous attempt to eliminate the newborn King, as detailed in Matthew 2:1-18. Knapp's lyrics capture the urgency and fear ("Mary what to do, Mary what to do?"), followed by God's divine guidance to "Flee to Galilee." While the immediate flight was to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15), the eventual return and raising of Jesus in Nazareth of Galilee (Matthew 2:19-23) reinforces God's protective hand over His Son. The song emphasizes Jesus as the "King of Peace," a title deeply rooted in prophecy, particularly Isaiah 9:6, which foretells the coming of the Messiah as the "Prince of Peace." Even amidst peril, Mary is called to continue her sacred task, to "Lullaby the King," nurturing the very source of salvation for the world.
The final verse brings Mary's journey to its poignant conclusion, acknowledging "Mary in your mourning, turn now as you weep." This speaks to the profound sorrow Mary endured throughout her life, not only during the initial flight but profoundly at the foot of the cross, as prophesied by Simeon in Luke 2:35: "a sword will pierce your own soul too." Yet, in her deepest grief, she is commanded to "Look to see a Savior." This is the ultimate call of faith, to gaze upon the crucified and resurrected Christ and recognize Him not just as her son, but as the Redeemer of all humanity. It’s a powerful reminder that even in our deepest pains and sorrows, God's promise of salvation remains, and our eyes are directed toward the hope found in Jesus. "Sing Mary, Sing" becomes an enduring anthem, encouraging believers through every trial to remember the profound truth of God's love and the salvation offered through His Son, urging us all to find our own song of faith amidst life’s challenges.