I love old Christmas songs. I love new ones too, especially ones that are written by poet / musicians like Carolyn Arends.
A year ago Arends brought out a new Christmas album, Christmas: The Story of Stories. I enjoyed it then and continue to give it lots of play time this year. On it Arends sings a few old songs, but the majority are tunes that she’s written—her own take on the Christmas characters and stories.
Her style is folk/roots. Her voice is clear and pure. Her arrangements include accompaniment by piano, guitar, fiddle, mandolin and bouzouki. But it’s the clever, thoughtful, fresh, lyrical revisiting of the Christmas story that ties up the package for me.
On Wednesday she posted one of the songs from it on YouTube. “The Sound” begins:
Now the angels’ song has trailed away
And only earthly sounds remain
Oh, a baahing sheep, a bleating goat
And a nervous shepherd clears his throat.
And a husband asks, “Are you alright?”
As a weary mother lullabyes
And through it all … a baby cries …
Hush now, listen, that’s the sound
Of the Kingdom coming …
Listen to it (complete with all the lyrics) below:
In the week between now and Christmas day, I wish all who read here many “hush” moments as you enjoy the beauty of the season and contemplate its meaning.
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This post is linked to Poetry Friday, hosted today by Diane Mayr at Random Noodling.
Violet Nesdoly 
So very nice. It’s a rare Christmas song that can compete against the tried and true carols. This one may be a contender. Merry Christmas!
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Thanks, Diane, and thanks for hosting today!
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Thanks for introducing me to Carolyn Arends! Enjoyed the song. Lovely voice!
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Thanks. I love Christmas music. I look forward to a few quiet days next week before the masses arrive.
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I like the weaving of ordinary life with the miraculous.
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Yes, Mary Lee, I think that’s what grabs me too.
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Lots of poetry this week, and yours is delightful, Violet. I think the album looks like a nice gift for a few in my family. Merriest of Christmases to you and yours!
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What beautiful words and music. It’s already woven into my head and I hear my son humming it in the silence as I type this comment. Thank-you for sharing.
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“Hush now, Listen.” I am listening intently to the words of the song. I am so thrilled that I am ending my year with a statement from the song that gives credence to my one little word, listen. Thank you for sharing this amazing song that fills my heart this season.
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Thanks Carol. Listen. And be blessed!
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