The Christmas season isn't complete without singing a few Christmas carols, but do you know the history behind any of the songs you may be belting out? Christmas music may be on constant replay at stores and restaurants well before December 25, but have you ever wondered about the stories behind the melodies? One particular Christmas carol, "Do You Hear What I Hear," carries a unique history intertwined with a significant event that took place in 1962 - the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Written by a husband and wife team, Noël Regney and Gloria Shayne, "Do You Hear What I Hear" was composed during the height of tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. The song, with its twofold meaning, not only tells the nativity story but also serves as a protest warning during the Cold War era. Regney, who had experienced the horrors of World War II firsthand, wanted to create a song that would promote peace and unity during a time of looming nuclear threats.
The lyrics of "Do You Hear What I Hear" paint a vivid picture. It begins with the line, "Said the night wind to the little lamb," symbolizing the voice of reason trying to warn of impending danger. The song progresses, urging listeners to take action and spread the message of peace, as the lyrics ask, "Pray for peace, people everywhere." The carol's powerful words and catchy melody resonated with audiences and became one of the most popular holiday songs in history.