The Crabb Family - Kentucky Christmas Lyrics
Lyrics
In a little mountain village, excitement filled the air
The children were rehearsing for the Christmas play that year
Momma's brand new bedsheet would be an angel's robe
Some bailing wire and tinsel sure made a great halo
Kentucky Christmas, those precious memories that I hold so dear
That special birthday, our families would come from far and near
For a season we would put all our troubles in the past
Kentucky Christmas, the only blue you found there was the grass
At church on Sunday morning, we'd reminisce again
The reason for the season, God's precious gift to men
Then dinner would be waiting, we'd gather for the feast
Then off to search the country for the perfect Christmas tree
Kentucky Christmas, those precious memories that I hold so dear
That special birthday, our families would come from far and near
For a season we would put all our troubles in the past
Kentucky Christmas, the only blue you found there was the grass
Kentucky Christmas, the only blue you found there was the grass
Video
Kentucky Christmas
Meaning & Inspiration
The Crabb Family’s “Kentucky Christmas,” found on their 2005 album *The Locket*, is more than just a festive tune; it's a tender invitation to revisit the true spirit of the season through the lens of simple, profound joy. This song artfully paints a picture of a childhood Christmas, not in grand displays, but in the genuine warmth of community and faith. The opening verses evoke the innocence of a local Christmas play, where a repurposed bedsheet becomes an angel’s robe and bailing wire and tinsel transform into a celestial halo. This imagery immediately grounds the listener in a reality far removed from commercial excess, highlighting how precious moments are often crafted from humble beginnings.
The core message of “Kentucky Christmas” resonates deeply with the biblical narrative of Christmas itself. The song speaks of putting troubles aside for a season, a sentiment that echoes the peace and goodwill the angels proclaimed to the shepherds at Christ’s birth (Luke 2:14). It underscores the idea that true joy isn't found in material wealth but in shared experiences and spiritual reflection. The recurring line, "the only blue you found there was the grass," is a beautiful metaphor for the absence of earthly sorrow or despair during this sacred time, a stark contrast to the world's often overwhelming anxieties. This purity of spirit is a testament to the transformative power of focusing on what truly matters.
The latter verses shift to the spiritual heart of the celebration, mentioning gathering at church to remember “the reason for the season, God’s precious gift to men.” This direct reference to Jesus, God's ultimate gift, aligns perfectly with John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." The subsequent gathering for a feast and the tradition of searching for the perfect Christmas tree further illustrate the song's emphasis on familial bonds and communal celebration, all rooted in thankfulness. The lyrics remind us that the celebration of Christ’s birth is inherently a time for fellowship and gratitude, much like the early church, which "broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts" (Acts 2:46). The Crabb Family’s rendition of "Kentucky Christmas" serves as a powerful reminder that the most cherished holiday memories are often built on love, faith, and the simple blessings of togetherness, pointing us back to the foundational truth of God's love demonstrated through His Son.