Robbie Robertson’s Christmas gift to his new son Sebastian during the sessions for Northern Lights-Southern Cross album… it never became a seasonal favorite but it should have been. It wasn’t released until the bands Islands album in 1977.
Rick Danko sings this song from a Shepherds point of view. It’s pure and down to earth like only the Band can be. No sleigh bells or other Christmas trappings…just pure music. Maybe that is the reason it never got picked up.
Robbie Robertson re-recorded this song after he left the group. And he did for the soundtrack of Bill Murray’s Scrooged. That version is very good but I still like The Bands version much more…it’s hard to beat Rick Danko.
Christmas Must Be Tonight
Come down to the manger, see the little stranger
Wrapped in swaddling clothes, the prince of peace
Wheels start turning, torches start burning
And the old wise men journey from the East
How a little baby boy bring the people so much joy
Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light
This must be Christmas, must be tonight
A shepherd on a hillside, where over my flock I bide
Oh a cold winter night a band of angels sing
In a dream I heard a voice saying “fear not, come rejoice
It’s the end of the beginning, praise the new born king”
I saw it with my own eyes, written up in the skies
But why a simple herdsmen such as I
And then it came to pass, he was born at last
Right below the star that shines on high
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That was really nice. I’d never heard that before, which I find surprising because I love The Band! Thanks for posting. A very Merry Christmas to you and yours.
I know it is new to me also. A Merry Christmas to you and yours also!
You are right Max, as this should be a seasonal favorite and I would definitely include it on a Christmas playlist.
Very nice! I’ve never heard it before which is unfortunate. Quite good as a song, and as a message too.Weird since I came from Canada – in general, The Band got a lot of airplay up there due to their roots.
I know right? I missed it on that album. It’s good song…tomorrow…a Christmas song from………..Big Star….yes Big Star…the most religious one I’ve had.
Really good Christmas song – seems sincere where others like Big Star’s Jesus Christ don’t.
The Big Star song…I’m doing tomorrow…I guess it’s how you take it. But for being non religious as he was…you can make a case of The Ballad of El Goodo being on the spiritual side.
I read where people argue over whether Jesus Christ….the song is sarcastic or not…or somewhere in between.
I think the words are fine of Jesus Christ – it’s just the way he sings them – and the ad lib ‘we’re gonna get born now” before the solo.
I know what you mean…I debated doing it but it’s a song that is never heard.
This song doesn’t ring a bell with me at all, but I really like it. I’m glad to know of it.
It just never caught on…I believe it’s because it doesn’t sound like a Christmas song….but it’s a lovely song.
This and Redding’s ‘Merry Christmas Baby’ are my go to Xmass songs. The Bands is just so cool. Thinking of those little rough around the edges individuals singing makes it better. They capture a spirit for sure.
(I’m caught up Max)
Oh man Merry Christmas Baby is awesome. I first heard it by Bruce and he did a great job…I love Otis’s of course.
This one by the Band I just found not long ago.
Yeah Bruce does a good job but Otis is just the man. You’re kidding on the Band cut. I have been steering away from Xmas tunes for the last few years but that one is special. Great find for you fella.
I know…I don’t know how I missed it on Islands before. Only few I can listen to…I found The Band and also Big Star did one…neither sounds like a Christmas song.
Theres some good ones kicking around and a few I still stumble on. Some good jazz stylings (I stole that word from someone else)
Bob Dylan: “Amateurs borrow…professionals steal”
Sounds great, Max. I hadn’t heard that before. If you didn’t listen to the lyrics, you wouldn’t know it’s a Christmas song. I think you’re right that’s the reason why it didn’t become popular.
It’s such a pure song…a joy but it will never be a regular for people because of the lack of Christmas effects. Glad you liked it Christian!
Awesome! I’ve never heard that before and I don’t remember it being in Scrooged. I like it. I might steal this for my Christmas Day post.
Go ahead…I just watched half of Scrooged the other night and don’t remember it. Hell I just found a Big Star Christmas song also…it’s coming tomorrow….the rest until Christmas day is repeat programming lol.
I like this though…steal away!
My Christmas Day post will be music, only.
Thanks!
Mine will be shows! We will satisfy everyone
😄
I’ve never heard this song before, but I agree that it’s a sweet and pleasing song for the holiday.
It’s new to me also and I’m a huge Band fan.
Wonderful tune. What a good choice for the season, Max.
I never heard it before…