This somewhat lesser-known Christmas song deserves to be a holiday standard. Written by Robbie Robertson and released on the 1977 album Islands, this is a truly classic Christmas song, with lyrics inspired by the Bible story, not a commercial re-imagining of the holiday. As with any song by this great Canadian-American folk group, the lyrics and recording seem heartfelt and honest; Robbie Robertson and co. have succeeded in bringing down-to-earth humanity to a transcendent story.
An alternate version was released as a bonus track for the 2001 remastering of The Band's 1975 album Northern Lights - Southern Cross.
Lyrics to "Christmas Must Be Tonight" by The Band
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, while 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"
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
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
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
Must be tonight
Listen to "Christmas Must Be Tonight" by The Band
Version of "Christmas Must Be Tonight" live by Hall & Oates
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