Mary's Boy Child
David Foster Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Long time ago in Bethlehem
So the Holy Bible says
Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ
Was born on Christmas day

While shepherds watched their flocks by night
They saw a bright new shining star
And heard a choir from heaven sing
The music came from afar

Hark, now hear the angels sing
A new King born today
And man will live forever more
Because of Christmas day

Now Joseph and his wife Mary
Came to Bethlehem that night
They found no place to bear her child
Not a single room was in sight

Hark, now hear the angels sing
A new King born today
And man will live forever more
Because of Christmas day

Trumpets sound and angels sing
Listen to what they say




And man will live forever more
Because of Christmas day

Overall Meaning

David Foster's song Mary's Boy Child tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem as documented in the Holy Bible. The song explains that Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem to find a place for her to deliver their child, but there was no room available for them in any of the inns in Bethlehem. As they searched for a place to rest, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable. As nature braced itself for this great and noteworthy event, the angels in heaven rejoiced and sang of the good news, signaling the birth of a new king. The shepherds who were nearby also heard the good news and rushed to see the newborn king.


Foster's lyrics beautifully describe the scene where the shepherds gathered around the newborn and how they saw a bright new shining star that guided their way to Bethlehem. The music the shepherds heard was from the choir of angels in heaven as they sang praises to the new king. The lyrics also talk about the hope and joy that the birth of Jesus Christ brought to humanity, giving them the promise of eternal life.


Mary's Boy Child has been covered by various artists, including Harry Belafonte, who popularized the song in 1956. The song has become a staple in many households during the holiday season and has continued to inspire people throughout many generations.


Line by Line Meaning

Long time ago in Bethlehem
This event happened a long time ago in Bethlehem


So the Holy Bible says
The Holy Bible is the source of this story


Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ
This is the baby boy of Mary, who was named Jesus Christ


Was born on Christmas day
He was born on the day of Christmas


While shepherds watched their flocks by night
Shepherds were watching their flocks at night


They saw a bright new shining star
They saw a new shiny star


And heard a choir from heaven sing
They heard a choir singing from heaven


The music came from afar
The music came from a distance


Hark, now hear the angels sing
Angels are singing, listen closely


A new King born today
A new King is born today


And man will live forever more
Because of this event, man will live eternally


Because of Christmas day
This event occurred on Christmas day


Now Joseph and his wife Mary
A couple named Joseph and Mary


Came to Bethlehem that night
They arrived in Bethlehem on that night


They found no place to bear her child
They could not find a place to give birth to their child


Not a single room was in sight
They could not find any available rooms


Trumpets sound and angels sing
There are trumpets and angels singing


Listen to what they say
Pay attention to what they are saying


And man will live forever more
Because of this event, man will live eternally


Because of Christmas day
This event occurred on Christmas day




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Jester Hairston

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@patrickstocks3576

A long time ago in Bethlehem
So the holy Bible says
Mary’s boy child, Jesus Christ
Was born on Christmas Day

The shepherds watched their flocks by night
They saw a bright new shining star
And heard a choir from heaven sing
The music came from afar

Hark, now hear the angels sing
A new kings born today
And men will live forever more
Because of Christmas Day

Now Joseph & his wife Mary
Came to Bethlehem that night
They found no place to bear her child
Not a single room was in sight

Hark, now hear the angels sing
A new kings born today
And man will live forever more
Because of Christmas Day

Trumpets sound & angels sing
Listen to what they say
That man will live forever more
Because of Christmas Day

Hark, now hear the angels sing
A new kings born today
And man will live forever more
Because of Christmas Day



@annetjewn

Mary's boy child Jesus Christ was born on Christmas Day
And man will live for evermore because of Christmas Day
Long time ago in Bethlehem, so the Holy Bible said
Mary's boy child Jesus Christ was born on Christmas Day
Hark, now hear the angels sing, a king was born today
And man will live for evermore, because of Christmas Day
Mary's boy child Jesus Christ was born on Christmas Day
While shepherds watch their flocks by night
They see a bright new shining star
They hear a choir sing a song, the music seemed to come from afar
Hark, now hear the angels sing, a king was born today
And man will live for evermore, because of Christmas Day
For a moment the world was aglow, all the bells rang out
There were tears of joy and laughter, people shouted
"Let everyone know, there is hope for all to find peace"
Oh my Lord
You sent Your son to save us
Oh my Lord
Your very self You gave us
Oh my Lord
That sin may not enslave us
And love may reign once more
Oh my Lord
When in the crib they found Him
Oh my Lord
A golden halo crowned Him
Oh my Lord
They gathered all around Him
To see Him and adore (this day will live forever)
Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
They had become to doubt You
Oh my Lord (He is the truth forever)
What did they know about You?
Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
But they were lost without You
They needed You so bad (His light is shining on us)
Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
With the child's adoration
Oh my lord (He is a personation)
There came great jubilation
Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
And full of admiration
They realized what they had (until the sun falls from the sky)
Oh my Lord (oh praise the Lord)
You sent Your son to save us
Oh my Lord (this day will live forever)
Your very self You gave us
Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)



All comments from YouTube:

@tedhermano7563

The best rendition of this song. Tom Jones never fail. Thank you for this.

@wilfredsutherland7639

Each time I listen to Tom Jones' rendition of this song my soul is stirred.

@lindamclean7234

Wow. Tom Jones and David Foster smash this. Sir Tom is absolutely magnificent and is definitely in the spirit. Chills and goosebumps he is so great. Could listen to this every day and never get tired of it.

@Harpenfarker

In MY view THIS is the MOST EXCELLENT version of THIS beautiful song and coincidentally......the MOST EXCELLENT USE of TOM JONES VOICE as well

@bienacabo8102

agreeeeeee

@agirlsinger

I completely agree 4:35

@AndreasMohr

Harry Belafonte...

@sideman7117

The passion in his voice gets to me.

@56fbb2

"They found no place to bed her Child"
Merry Christmas for all of us !!

@philbrown1474

Still great in 2020. I see no one around that can fill his shoes.

More Comments

More Versions