In The Bleak Midwinter
Divers / Loreena McKennitt Lyrics
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Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow
In the bleak mid-winter, long ago
Angels and archangels may have gathered there
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air
But His mother only, in her maiden's bliss
Oh what can I give him, poor as I am
If I were a shepherd, would I bring a lamb
If I were a wise man, would I do my part
Yet what can I give him, give my heart
In the bleak mid-winter frosty winds made moan
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone
If I were a wise man, would I do my part
Yet what can I give him, give my heart
The song "In The Bleak Midwinter" by Loreena McKennitt tells a story of a barren winter landscape, where the earth is hard and the water is frozen. It describes a cold and emotionless environment, where only the voice of the wind can be heard. The bleak and harsh surroundings are juxtaposed against the warm and tender love of a mother for her child. The song speaks to the universal human desire to give to someone we love, regardless of our material possessions or social status. The lyrics express the idea that to truly give from the heart is the most valuable gift one can offer.
The second verse of the song suggests that angels and heavenly beings may have gathered in this place, but it was only the mother who worshipped the beloved with a kiss. This line alludes to the Christian story of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The redemption of humankind was brought about by the sacrificial love of God, who sent his son to be born of a virgin, and to become the savior of the world. The final verse presents a universal message about the importance of giving, regardless of our circumstance. It suggests that even if we are poor and have nothing material to offer, we can still give the most precious thing we possess, our heart.
Line by Line Meaning
In the bleak mid-winter frosty winds made moan
During winter, the winds were so frigid that it created a mournful sound.
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone
The intense coldness caused the ground to harden and the water to freeze stagnantly.
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow
It snowed heavily and continuously, covering everything in white and creating multiple layers of snow.
In the bleak mid-winter, long ago
This miserable wintery scene happened a long time ago.
Angels and archangels may have gathered there
It's possible that celestial beings, such as angels and archangels, were present in that scene.
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air
The said celestial beings from above filled the air, cherubim and seraphim included.
But His mother only, in her maiden's bliss
The only one who seemed giddy with joy and serenity was the mother of Him.
Worshiped the beloved with a kiss
She worshipped and adored the baby with the highest form of affection in the form of a kiss.
Oh what can I give him, poor as I am
The artist wonders what valuable gift they can offer to the infant Jesus despite being financially challenged.
If I were a shepherd, would I bring a lamb
The artist considers bringing a lamb as a gift if they were a shepherd at the time.
If I were a wise man, would I do my part
If the singer was a wise man or a magi, they would do what is expected of them as their part.
Yet what can I give him, give my heart
In the end, the artist realizes that they can only offer the purest form of selfless love from their heart.
In the bleak mid-winter frosty winds made moan
The scene of an uninviting winter wonderland still persists with mournful winds.
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone
The situation remains of the hardships of the circumstances; the ground remains hardened and water still remains covered in ice.
If I were a wise man, would I do my part
The idea shared before comes back to the singer in what they are capable of doing if they were more affluent and knowledgeable.
Yet what can I give him, give my heart
The resolution reaffirmed yet again that the only thing they can provide is their heart and the love within.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BENJAMIN PAUL BALLANCE-DREW, GUSTAV HOLST, CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSETTI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ericludlow7332
Love this song, Annie has the voice of an angel
@trfesok
This is actually the demo version. The final single version is also in my "In the Bleak Midwinter" playlist, along with Annie Haslan's solo version and 15 others! Thanks for uploading!
@lesthefez
3 years on and still as beautiful
@lesthefez
so so beautiful
@theoloyla
Written by Christina Rossetti (sister of painter Gabriel) on the bridge of Birchington Station