Beyond the Lights and Tinsel: Finding the Heart of Christmas in Toby Keith’s “What Child Is This?”

 

About The Song

Toby Keith, while often associated with his contemporary country hits and a larger-than-life stage persona, also possesses a deep respect for tradition, particularly when it comes to the timeless themes of faith and family that often surface during the Christmas season. His music, while diverse in its range, occasionally reveals a more reverent and reflective side, a willingness to embrace the spiritual foundations that underpin many of the holiday’s most cherished celebrations. His ability to navigate both the secular and the sacred aspects of the season resonates with an older, educated audience that appreciates his versatility and his connection to the enduring values often associated with Christmas.

Released on his 1995 album, “Christmas to Christmas”, Toby Keith’s rendition of “What Child Is This?” offers a compelling example of his ability to approach a classic Christmas carol with both respect and a distinctive country flair. The song, a traditional English carol set to the melody of “Greensleeves,” has been a staple of holiday music for centuries, its lyrics pondering the mystery and majesty of the Christ child’s birth.

Musically, Keith’s version of “What Child Is This?” likely retains the song’s inherent solemnity while infusing it with a gentle country touch. The arrangement probably features acoustic instruments like guitar, fiddle, and perhaps a subtle steel guitar, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. Keith’s voice, typically known for its power and swagger, likely adopts a more subdued and reverent tone, conveying a sense of awe and wonder befitting the song’s sacred subject matter.

The lyrics of “What Child Is This?“, penned in the 19th century by William Chatterton Dix, pose a series of questions about the identity of the baby lying in Mary’s lap, ultimately revealing him as Christ the King. Keith’s rendition likely stays true to the original text, allowing the timeless poetry of the carol to shine through. The focus remains on the central message of the Christmas story: the birth of a savior and the hope that event represents.

For an older, educated audience, Toby Keith’sWhat Child Is This?” offers a familiar and comforting take on a beloved Christmas classic. It’s a song that resonates with those who appreciate the enduring power of traditional carols and the sense of peace and reflection they can evoke during the holiday season. The song’s message is a reminder of the spiritual foundations of Christmas, a celebration of faith and the birth of hope. “What Child Is This?” showcases Toby Keith’s versatility as an artist, his ability to move beyond his more well-known contemporary sound and deliver a performance that is both respectful of tradition and infused with his own unique country soul, making it a welcome addition to any holiday playlist.

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