Story Behind The Song

This spiritual takes as its base the Christmas account of the Gospel of Luke, in which Mary and Joseph can't find room at the inn, the shepherds hear the announcement from the angels, and the wise men start out from the east to worship the Prince of Peace. As with "Go Tell It On the Mountains," I have used a beat hailing back hundreds of years to Africa, thereby making the connection of the music of the Spirituals to their ancient sources. This particular piece is also an excellent call and response piece, and representative of the communal nature of early African American music.

Song Description

This is an African-American spiritual, hailing back to the time when Africans were enslaved in America.

Lyrics

Behold that star!
Behold that star up yonder!
Behold that star!
It is the star of Bethlehem,
it is the star of Bethlehem.

There was no room found in the inn [call]
It is the star of Bethlehem [response]
For Him Who was born free from sin
It is the star of Bethlehem.

Behold that star!
Behold that star up yonder!
Behold that star!
It is the star of Bethlehem,
it is the star of Bethlehem.

The wise men came on from the east
It is the star of Bethlehem
To worship Him born Prince of Peace
It is the star of Bethlehem.

Behold that star!
Behold that star up yonder!
Behold that star!
It is the star of Bethlehem,
it is the star of Bethlehem.

A song broke forth upon the night
It is the star of Bethlehem
From angel hosts all robed in white
It is the star of Bethlehem.

Behold that star!
Behold that star up yonder!
Behold that star!
It is the star of Bethlehem,
it is the star of Bethlehem.

"Glory to God, world without end,"
It is the star of Bethlehem
"And peace on earth, goodwill toward men,"
It is the star of Bethlehem.

Behold that star!
Behold that star up yonder!
Behold that star!
It is the star of Bethlehem,
it is the star of Bethlehem.