As a child and young adult, Battle was both a good student and a good singer, but her ambitions were not grand. She was awarded a scholarship to the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in Ohio, but she chose to major in music education rather than risk a performance career. In 1971, with both bachelor's and master's degrees, Battle set out to teach music to Cincinnati's inner-city youth. While teaching 5th and 6th grade music, she continued to study voice privately, which resulted in an audition with Thomas Schippers (then conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra). He was so moved by Battle's remarkable voice that he hired the almost totally inexperienced singer to perform at the 1972 Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy.
Gesu bambino
Kathleen Battle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tu che sei tanto buono
Fammi questo piacer
Lascia una volta il cielo
E vieni a giocar
A giocare con me
Lo sai, il babbo e povero
Sono un babino buono
Come lo fosti tu
Vedrai, pero, se vieni
Noi ci divertiremo
Anche senza balocchi
Vieni, bambin Gesu
The lyrics to Kathleen Battle's song "Gesu bambino" are an appeal to the baby Jesus to come down from heaven to earth and play with the singer, who is a poor child with no toys. The song is written from the perspective of a child who is addressing the baby Jesus, telling him how good he is and asking him to leave the sky just once to come and play with the child, who promises that they will have fun even without toys.
The lyrics are full of emotion and feeling, and the singer's childlike innocence adds to the overall effect of the song. The use of the phrase "Gesu bambino" (baby Jesus) throughout the song reinforces the childlike theme and helps to convey a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
Overall, "Gesu bambino" is a beautiful and moving song that captures the essence of Christmas and the joy and wonder of the season. It is a reminder of the importance of having faith, hope, and love, especially during difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
Caro Gesu bambino
Dear child Jesus
Tu che sei tanto buono
You who are so good
Fammi questo piacer
Grant me this favor
Lascia una volta il cielo
Leave heaven for once
E vieni a giocar
And come play
A giocare con me
To play with me
Lo sai, il babbo e povero
You know, my father is poor
Ed io non ho giocattoli
And I have no toys
Sono un babino buono
I am a good child
Come lo fosti tu
Just like you were
Vedrai, pero, se vieni
You'll see, though, if you come
Noi ci divertiremo
We will have fun
Anche senza balocchi
Even without toys
Vieni, bambin Gesu
Come, child Jesus
Writer(s): Pietro A. Yon
Contributed by Camden H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lovemypiano111
This is my favorite carol of all... sang by two of my favorite singers. Who cares what they are wearing. Their voices blend perfectly, it's amazing
@jacobmcneal3011
Clothes-they are wearing clothes
@anastasiadunaway
It’s my favorite carol, too!
@PaxDisturbia
I am so grateful to be able to enjoy this inspiring performance "on demand" so many years later.
@susansargent3799
A beautiful blend of voice , and personality
@bree1lovee
They look so beautiful and their voices compliment each other very well! Definitely one of my favorite holiday carols ❤️
@varadero1839
Hi Brittany!
I'm grateful to hear from you, and you're absolutely correct: their voices were a perfect pairing! Though many years have passed, it would be a thrill to hear them sing together once more. Thank you Brittany!
varadero
@exaudi33
I vividly remember watching this on PBS in '89. Thrilling. The most beautiful Christmas special ever.
@SaHayes-it2uw
same and i then watched it every year on Christmas eve
@danieburger5290
Total magic ! Exquisitely beautiful - moving. Damn this lump in my throat . . .