McKennitt blends world-music with folk, Celtic and exotic Mediterranean sounds using instruments such as the hurdy gurdy, kanoun, uilleann pipes, Turkish clarinet, bouzouki and nyckelharpa alongside traditional instruments like guitar, drums and bass and the harp, piano and accordion, the three instruments she plays.
Born in Morden, Manitoba, Canada in February 17, 1957, Loreena moved to Stratford, Ontario, Canada in 1981, where she still resides. She has acted and sung in, and composed music for, Stratford Festival of Canada productions ranging from The Tempest (1982) to The Merchant Of Venice (2001).
Her recording career began in 1985 with the album Elemental. In the fledgling years of her label Quinlan Road, Loreena ran its operations from her kitchen table, selling recordings by mail order and producing her own concert tours across the country. Quinlan Road's catalogue is currently distributed around the world by Warner Music (US), Universal Music (Canada and other territories including Italy and Spain) and a number of independents including Keltia Music (France) and SPV (Germany).
In The Bleak Midwinter
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 lyrics of "In The Bleak Midwinter," by Loreena McKennitt, describe the harshness of the winter season and contrast it with the warmth of love that Jesus received from his mother. The first two lines of the song portray an image of barrenness and desolation as the earth is frozen and hard like iron, and water is like a stone. This sets the tone for the rest of the song to be melancholic and somber. The repetition of the phrase "snow on snow" emphasizes how endless and bitter the winter is. Yet, in the midst of this bleakness, the lyrics suggest that angels may have gathered around the baby Jesus.
The chorus adds a glimmer of hope, as the singer contemplates what gift she can give to Jesus. Despite feeling poor, the singer imagines the offerings that the shepherds and wise men gave at Jesus' birth. But in the end, the song concludes with the realization that the most valuable gift she has to give is her own heart.
The lyrics of "In The Bleak Midwinter" rely heavily on religious imagery, and the song is often associated with Christmas celebrations. However, the message of the song is relatable beyond its religious connotations. It encourages listeners to reflect on the value of love and the importance of giving from the heart.
Line by Line Meaning
In the bleak mid-winter frosty winds made moan
During winter, the strong chilly wind makes sad and mournful sounds
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone
The ground is so cold and hard that it feels like stone, and water has turned into ice
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow
There is a thick layer of snow, with more snow falling on top of it
In the bleak mid-winter, long ago
This happened a very long time ago, in a cold and bleak winter season
Angels and archangels may have gathered there
It is possible that angels of different ranks were present at the time
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air
Flying creatures known as Cherubim and seraphim filled the atmosphere
But His mother only, in her maiden's bliss
Only His mother, who was young and happy, was filled with joyful adoration
Worshiped the beloved with a kiss
She showed reverence to the beloved by kissing Him
Oh what can I give him, poor as I am
I am poor and have nothing valuable to give Him
If I were a shepherd, would I bring a lamb
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb as a gift
If I were a wise man, would I do my part
If I were wise, I would contribute what I could to the cause
Yet what can I give him, give my heart
I may not have possessions to offer, but I can give Him my love and loyalty
In the bleak mid-winter frosty winds made moan
The harsh winter season is still present
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone
The land is in a state of hardness and coldness
If I were a wise man, would I do my part
I would try and do what I can to make a difference
Yet what can I give him, give my heart
I may not have physical gifts to offer, but I can still give Him my love and loyalty
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BENJAMIN PAUL BALLANCE-DREW, GUSTAV HOLST, CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSETTI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind