Though born in New York, Peter's was raised in Boulder, Colorado, and then moved to Nashville in the late 1980s. There, she found work as a songwriter, composing hits for Martina McBride, Etta James, Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless, George Strait, Anne Murray, as well as for Neil Diamond and co-writing songs with Bryan Adams. She has twice been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Song, in 1995 and 1996, and was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song in 2003.
Peters has released a string of studio albums of her own. The title track of her 1996 debut album The Secret of Life was later recorded by Faith Hill in 1999.
In the case of her new album, 'Blackbirds,' "juice" is certainly understatement. Recorded in Nashville, the album features a who's who of modern American roots music: Jerry Douglas, Jason Isbell, Jimmy LaFave, Will Kimbrough, Kim Richey, Suzy Bogguss and more. But it's not the guests that make 'Blackbirds' the most poignant and moving album of Peters' storied career; it’s the impeccable craftsmanship, her ability to capture the kind of complex, conflicting, and overwhelming emotional moments we might otherwise try to hide and instead shine a light of truth and understanding onto them.
'Blackbirds' is, in many ways, an album that is unafraid to face down mortality. But rather than dwell on the pain of loss, the music finds a new appreciation for the life we're given.
If anyone can open up that conversation, it's Peters. Inducted into the prestigious Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014, she has long been one of Music City's most beloved and respected artists, known never to shy away from darkness and struggle in her writing. Martina McBride's recording of her stirring "Independence Day," a song that deals with domestic abuse, was nominated for a Grammy and took home Song of the Year honors at the CMAs, and her work has been performed by everyone from Etta James and Neil Diamond to George Strait and Trisha Yearwood. "If Peters never delivers another tune as achingly beautiful as 'On A Bus To St. Cloud,'" People Magazine wrote, "she has already earned herself a spot among country's upper echelon of contemporary composers."
'Blackbirds' follows Peters' 2012 album 'Hello Cruel World,' which NPR called "the album of her career" and Uncut said "establishes her as the natural successor to Lucinda Williams." If anything, though, 'Blackbirds' truly establishes Peters as a one-of-a-kind singer and songwriter, one in possession of a fearless and endlessly creative voice.
December Child
Gretchen Peters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who brought you forth, who laid you here?
A little child, a tiny thing
How can it be they call you king?
A baby in a manger born
So early on a Christmas morn
The angels sang, the heavens smiled
December child, so full of grace
So humbly born, so highly praised
They bring you gifts, they follow stars
They say they know who you really are
But you are still your mother's son
They say you are the Chosen One
The kings and queens, the rank and file
All know your name, December child
While the shepherds watch they're keeping
We lie sleeping
December child, the world awaits
And soon enough you'll meet your fate
Your mother's arms will soon grow cold
And yearn for her sweet babe to hold
And all the world, in all its need
Will soon be pulling at your sleeve
So give her time, a little while
And go to sleep, December child
The lyrics of the song December Child by Gretchen Peters evoke the humble beginnings of Jesus Christ as a baby born in a manger. The singer questions the significance of a baby who cries no tears and yet is called a king. The image of the baby in the manger on a Christmas morning is vividly presented, with the angels singing and the heavens smiling. The baby is referred to as December child, signifying his birth in the month of December, which is celebrated as Christmas, a significant event in Christian belief.
The lyrics of December Child also highlight the dual nature of Jesus - he is both a divine being, known as the Chosen One and the king, and at the same time, he is also a human baby who is loved and nurtured by his mother. The singer reminds the listeners that despite his divine status, at the core, he is still his mother's son. The lyrics capture the sense of anticipation of the world, waiting for the arrival of the December child.
Towards the end of the song, the lyrics take a poignant turn, foretelling the fate of the December child, who will one day sacrifice his life to fulfill his mission. The words paint a picture of a grieving mother who yearns for her baby as the world waits for the child's destiny to be fulfilled. The singer advises the child to go to sleep for a little while and wait for his time to come. Overall, the song December Child is a beautiful, reflective piece that captures the essence of Christmas and The story of Jesus Christ.
Line by Line Meaning
What babe is this who cries no tears?
Who is this newborn baby who seems to have no worries or fears?
Who brought you forth, who laid you here?
Who is responsible for your birth and placement in this manger?
A little child, a tiny thing
How can it be they call you king?
You are just a small and fragile child, so how can people already call you a king?
A baby in a manger born
So early on a Christmas morn
The angels sang, the heavens smiled
And here you are, December child
You were born on a Christmas morning and placed in a manger, surrounded by the joy and happiness of angels and the heavens. You are the December child.
December child, so full of grace
So humbly born, so highly praised
They bring you gifts, they follow stars
They say they know who you really are
You were born in grace and humility, yet people already praise you and come bearing gifts. They have followed stars to find you and claim to know your true identity.
But you are still your mother's son
They say you are the Chosen One
The kings and queens, the rank and file
All know your name, December child
Despite your supposed identity as the Chosen One, you are still your mother's son. Everyone, from royalty to everyday people, knows your name as the December child.
While the shepherds watch they're keeping
We lie sleeping
Even as the shepherds watch over you, we sleep, unaware of the miracle that has taken place.
December child, the world awaits
And soon enough you'll meet your fate
Your mother's arms will soon grow cold
And yearn for her sweet babe to hold
The world eagerly anticipates your arrival, but with it comes the knowledge that one day you will meet your fate. Your mother, too, will have to let go of her precious baby and long for his touch.
And all the world, in all its need
Will soon be pulling at your sleeve
So give her time, a little while
And go to sleep, December child
As the world cries out for help, you will soon be called upon to aid them. But for now, take a moment to rest and sleep, little December child.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GRETCHEN PETERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind