The song "Do You Hear What I Hear?" is a conversation between various characters, including a night wind, a little lamb, a shepherd boy, and a mighty king. They ask each other if they can hear or see something special. The song culminates with the king urging people to listen to him and pray for peace, as a child who will bring goodness and light sleeps in the night.

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Meaning of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Andy Williams


The lyrics of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" convey a message of hope, peace, and the power of listening. The song begins with the night wind and lamb noticing something in the sky, a star described as being as big as a kite. They question the shepherd boy, asking if he hears what they hear and see what they see. The shepherd boy responds, acknowledging the song ringing through the sky with a voice as big as the sea. This conversation represents the interconnectedness of nature and how even the smallest and simplest beings have the ability to perceive and understand something greater.

The shepherd boy then turns to the mighty king, asking if he knows what the boy knows. The king, in his palatial warmth, is informed of a Child who shivers in the cold. The lyrics depict a stark contrast between the opulence of the king's palace and the vulnerability of the Child. The boy suggests bringing silver and gold to the Child, symbolizing wealth and material offerings as a means of addressing the child's needs.

The song reaches its peak when the king addresses the people, urging them to listen to him and pray for peace. The Child, sleeping in the night, is described as the bringer of goodness and light. This final verse emphasizes the power of collective action and the potential for positive change through open ears, empathy, and prayer. It serves as a call for unity, compassion, and the recognition of the Child as a symbol of hope and salvation.

Ultimately, "Do You Hear What I Hear?" highlights the importance of actively listening and understanding each other in order to bring about peace and goodness in the world. It portrays a message of hope and encourages individuals to recognize the potential impact they can have on creating a better future through their actions and words.