In The Bleak Midwinter by James Taylor

VERSE

In The Bleak Midwinter

James Taylor

In The Bleak Midwinter

Song byJames Taylor

in AlbumJames Taylor at Christmas

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,

Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;

Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,

In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Our God, heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;

Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.

In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed

The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, Whom cherubim, worship night and day,

Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;

Enough for Him, Whom angels fall before,

The ox and ass and camel which adore.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there,

Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;

But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,

Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;

Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

LanguageEnglish

Translated byAllen Morningstar

About this Song

In The Bleak Midwinter, performed by James Taylor, is a serene and contemplative rendition of the classic Christmas carol originally penned by Christina Rossetti. Taylor's interpretation brings out themes of winter's harshness juxtaposed with the warmth and purity of the nativity scene. The song paints a vivid picture of the cold and desolate winter landscape, which sets the stage for the humble yet poignant birth of Jesus. Poignant moments in the song include the imagery of 'snow on snow' and the heartfelt conclusion which reflects on what gifts can be brought to honor the Christ child, emphasizing a personal and emotional offering.