In the Bleak Mid-Winter
Sarah McLachlan Feat. Diana Krall Lyrics

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan
During the harsh midwinter season, a cold howling wind could be heard

Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone
The ground was frozen solid, and rivers and lakes turned to ice

Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow
Layers upon layers of snow has covered the ground and landscape

In the bleak midwinter, long ago
A long time ago, during harsh winter conditions, this scene was present

Angels and archangels may have gathered there
There could have been a gathering of powerful divine beings such as angels and archangels

Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air
The airspace was filled with winged celestial beings known as cherubim and seraphim

But His mother only, in her maiden bliss
Only the mother of Jesus, in her state of joy from being a young woman, worshipped him

Worshipped the beloved with a kiss
She showed love and devotion to her beloved son with a kiss

Oh what can I give Him, poor as I am?
The artist questions what gift they can offer to the infant Jesus despite their lack of wealth

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb
If the artist were a shepherd, they would give a lamb as a gift

If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part
If the singer were a wise man, they would provide their own contribution to Jesus

Yet what I can I give Him, give my heart
Despite not having anything material to offer, the artist chooses to give their heart to Jesus

In the bleak midwinter, frosty winds made moan
Repeating the first verse's scene description, implying its lasting effect and the desperation of the conditions

Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone
The harsh state of the earth and water is restated, emphasizing the harshness of the environment

If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part
Repetition highlighting the desire to contribute to Jesus' birth

Yet what I can I give Him, give my heart
Echoing the final statement that even with limited resources, giving one's heart is valuable