Do You Hear What I Hear?
Gloria Shayne Lyrics

In Gloria Shayne's song "Do You Hear What I Hear," the lyrics depict a conversation between various characters, including a night wind, a little lamb, a shepherd boy, a mighty king, and the people. Each character is experiencing something extraordinary and wants to share it with others. Through the imagery of stars, songs, and a child, the song conveys a deeper message about hope, peace, and the potential for goodness in the world.

The first verse begins with the night wind asking the little lamb if it sees what it sees. This question suggests a sense of wonder and curiosity. The night wind draws the lamb's attention to a star in the sky, describing it as dancing. The image of the star with a tail as big as a kite adds to the sense of awe and beauty, capturing the lamb's imagination.

In the second verse, the lamb, now captivated by what it has seen, asks the shepherd boy if he hears what it hears. The shepherd boy, who spends his time in nature, is attuned to the sounds around him. The boy hears a song ringing through the sky, and its magnitude is compared to the vastness of the sea. This emphasizes the power and importance of the song. The shepherd boy recognizes that something significant is happening, and it piques his curiosity further.

In the third verse, the shepherd boy approaches the mighty king, who resides in a warm palace, with his question about what he knows. The king, known for his wisdom and wealth, is asked if he is aware of something deeper and more meaningful. The boy informs the king that a child, vulnerable and shivering in the cold, holds great importance. The suggestion to bring him silver and gold symbolizes the boy's recognition that this child deserves honor and protection, highlighting the innocence and preciousness of the child's existence.

Finally, in the fourth and last verse, the king, deeply moved by what he has learned, addresses the people, calling for their attention and urging them to listen to his words. He encourages them to pray for peace, emphasizing the need for unity and understanding in the world. The king reveals that the child, who sleeps in the night, will bring goodness and light to all. This image reinforces the notion that through the innocence and purity of the child, humanity can find hope and salvation.

In summary, Gloria Shayne's "Do You Hear What I Hear" uses a series of conversations between different characters to explore the themes of wonder, curiosity, hope, and peace. The lyrics encourage listeners to pay attention to the extraordinary in the ordinary and to recognize the potential for goodness and light in the world through the symbolism of a star, a song, and a child.