McRae was born in Harlem, New York, on the 8th April 1920, and studied piano as a child. As a teenager she came to the attention of Teddy Wilson and his wife, the composer Irene Kitchings Wilson. Through their influence, one of McRae’s early songs, "Dream of Life", was recorded by Wilson’s longtime collaborator Billie Holiday.
By the late 1940s she was well known among the modern jazz musicians who gathered at Minton's Playhouse, Harlem’s most famous jazz club, where she was the intermission pianist. But it was while working in Brooklyn that she came to the attention of Decca’s Milt Gabler. Her five year association with Decca yielded twelve LPs.
The musicians she sang with include Benny Carter, Mercer Ellington, Count Basie, Sammy Davis Jr, Dave Brubeck, and Louis Armstrong. She was married once (and briefly), to drummer Kenny Clarke.
McRae died on the 10th November 1994.
A Child Is Born
Carmen McRae Lyrics
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We've suddenly stepped through
A thousand dolls
A child is born
Her chin is like mine
But her eyes are yours
How perfectly formed are her fingers
So far reach, so much to know
We'll hold her close
Then let her go
How sweet to find
A part of ourselves
We knew nothing of
A child is born
A child that is born of our love
The lyrics of Carmen McRae's "A Child Is Born" describe the indescribable joy and wonder that comes with the birth of a child. The song speaks of the suddenness with which a child comes into the world, and the way in which it opens up a whole new realm of experience for its parents. The singer notes the similarities between herself and her partner in the child's features, but also marvels at the unique qualities that come together to make up the baby's appearance.
As the song goes on, the focus shifts to the child's hands and the potential they hold for communication and understanding. The lyrics suggest a sense of awe at the vastness of what this new life has yet to learn and experience. The singer acknowledges the urge to hold the child close and protect her, but also knows that ultimately she must be allowed to grow and explore the world on her own.
At its core, "A Child Is Born" is a celebration of the miracle of life and the power of love to create something new and precious in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
A child is born
A new life has entered the world, bringing new possibilities and potential.
We've suddenly stepped through
The arrival of this child has caused a shift in our lives, as we now see the world through a different lens.
A thousand dolls
The arrival of this child reminds us of the countless other children in the world, each with their own unique qualities and potential.
Her chin is like mine
This child bears a physical likeness to me, reminding me of the continuity of life and the passing of traits from one generation to the next.
But her eyes are yours
This child also bears physical traits that resemble someone else, highlighting the interconnectedness of people and experiences.
How perfectly formed are her fingers
Even in her earliest moments of life, this child demonstrates a level of physical beauty and perfection.
So far reach, so much to know
Despite her youth, this child's potential and capacity for growth are vast and expansive.
What words will be formed by her fingers
As this child grows and develops, the power of communication and expression will be critical to her relationships and interactions with the world.
We'll hold her close
As parents or guardians, we'll have the duty and privilege of caring for this child as she grows and develops.
Then let her go
Ultimately, we must accept that this child will forge her own path in life and make her own choices, independent of our influence.
How sweet to find
The experience of raising and nurturing a child can be incredibly rewarding and joyful.
A part of ourselves
This child will always hold a special place in our hearts, as we pour our love and care into her wellbeing and growth.
We knew nothing of
While this child is of our own creation, she is also a unique individual with her own personality, talents, and experiences.
A child that is born of our love
As parents or guardians, we have a deep bond and connection to this child, stemming from the love and care that brought her into existence.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: CARL ALLEN STURKEN, EVAN A. ROGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind