The Christians and the Pagans
Dar Williams, Sara Watkins, Sean Watkins
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Amber called her uncle, said "We're up here for the holiday, Jane and I were having Solstice, now we need a place to stay." And her Christ-loving uncle watched his wife hang Mary on a tree, He watched his son hang candy canes all made with Red Dye No. 3. He told his niece, "Its Christmas Eve, I know our life is not your style," She said, "Christmas is like Solstice, and we miss you and its been awhile." So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table, Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able, And just before the meal was served, hands were held and prayers were said, Sending hope for peace on earth to all their gods and goddesses. The food was great, the tree plugged in, the meal had gone without a hitch, Till Timmy turned to Amber and said, "Is it true that you're a wtich?" His mom jumped up and said, "The pies are burning," and she hit the kitchen, And it was Jane who spoke, she said, "It's true, your cousin's not a Christian," "But we love trees, we love the snow, the friends we have, the world we share, And you find magic from your God, and we find magic everywhere," So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table, Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able, And where does magic come from? I think magic's in the learning, 'Cause now when Christians sit with Pagans only pumpkin pies are burning. When Amber tried to do the dishes, her aunt said, "Really, no, don't bother." Amber's uncle saw how Amber looked like Tim and like her father. He thought about his brother, how they hadn't spoken in a year, He thought he'd call him up and say, "It's Christmas, and your daughter's here." He thought of fathers, sons and brothers, saw his own son tug his sleeve, saying, "Can I be a Pagan?" Dad said, "We'll discuss it when they leave." So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table, Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able, Lighting trees in darkness, learning new ways from the old, and Making sense of history and drawing warmth out of the cold.
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11 facts about this song
Artist's Background"The Christians and the Pagans" was performed by American folk singer-songwriter, Dar Williams. She's known for her unique storytelling abilities through her songs and has been instrumental in the popularization of the folk-pop genre in the late 1990s.
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Album InformationThe song is part of the album "Mortal City," which was her second studio album, released in 1996.
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Song's ThemeThe song tells the story of a Christmas dinner where a Christian family is visited by their pagan relatives. It's an iconic song for highlighting the coexistence and understanding of differing religious beliefs within a family setting.
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Cultural Impact"The Christians and the Pagans" has often been used as a celebration of interfaith dialogue and religious diversity. Its message of tolerance and love, regardless of religious affiliation, has resonated with many listeners, especially during the holiday season.
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Song ReceptionUpon its release, the song attracted a lot of attention, becoming a cult classic among fans of the genre. Its inclusive message and poignant storytelling earned praise from critics.
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Use in MediaAlthough not used extensively in mainstream media, it is a frequent choice for community radio stations and on platforms promoting the folk-pop genre, particularly during religious holidays.
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Songwriting Style"The Christians and the Pagans" is a testament to Williams' knack for deep-seated storytelling blended with folk melodies. It showcases her ability to discuss complex issues in a compassionate and respectful manner.
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Lyrical InterpretationSeveral lines in the song point to the struggle of maintaining both individual and collective religious beliefs in a close family setting, and the grace of acceptance and understanding.
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Live Performances"The Christians and the Pagans" remains a staple in Williams' concert setlists, often drawing some of the night's biggest applause.
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Impact on CareerThe song's acclaim helped solidify Dar Williams' place in the folk-pop scene and made "Mortal City" one of her most successful albums. Its success marked a significant milestone in her musical career.
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Unique Aspect"The Christians and the Pagans" is notably one of the few popular holiday songs that openly discusses interfaith harmony and the coexistence of diverse religious beliefs in a positive light.
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Citation
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"The Christians and the Pagans Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 20 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/21232955/Dar+Williams/The+Christians+and+the+Pagans>.
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