A Remarkable Song From Two Of Our Favorite Country Music Stars; Truly Exquisite

“The Angels Cried” is a poignant ballad by Alan Jackson featuring Alison Krauss, released in 1993 as the third single from Jackson’s album *Honky Tonk Christmas*. This song delves into themes of loss and grief during the Christmas season, a departure from the typical festive cheer associated with holiday music. It narrates a somber story set against the backdrop of a Christmas Eve, with its lyrics poignantly illustrating the pain of losing a child during this holy time.

The song begins with a lyrical depiction of the Nativity scene, where Jackson sings about the journey of the wise men following a star to witness the birth of Jesus. The imagery is both reverent and melancholic, as it sets up the contrast between the joyous occasion of Christ’s birth and the sorrowful event that unfolds in the song’s narrative. The opening lines, “They came from near, they came from far / Following a distant star to where He lay,” capture the sense of awe and anticipation surrounding the birth of Jesus, while also hinting at the profound sadness that will soon be revealed.

As the song progresses, it shifts focus to the heart-wrenching story of a family experiencing an unimaginable loss on Christmas day. The lyrics convey the depth of the family’s grief as they mourn the passing of their child. The lines, “The angels cried on Christmas day / They watched as the child lay / His tiny hand in his mother’s hand,” emphasize the sorrow of the situation, portraying the angels in heaven as sharing in the family’s pain. This imagery serves to amplify the emotional weight of the narrative, suggesting that the entire celestial realm is moved by the family’s suffering.

The chorus of the song brings a harmonized blend of Jackson’s and Krauss’s voices, further underscoring the song’s emotional impact. Their duet in the chorus, “He was the King, born in a manger / The angels flew from heaven to earth to bring / The wonderful news, of the Savior’s birth / And the angels cried on Christmas day,” intertwines the joyous message of Christ’s birth with the sorrowful events described in the verses. This juxtaposition highlights the song’s central theme: the intersection of joy and sorrow during the Christmas season.

Musically, “The Angels Cried” incorporates traditional country instrumentation, including acoustic guitar, fiddle, and steel guitar, which lend a nostalgic and heartfelt quality to the song. The arrangement complements the lyrical content, enhancing the song’s emotional resonance with its soothing, yet somber, musical backdrop. Alison Krauss’s harmonies add a layer of ethereal beauty to the song, aligning with her renowned vocal style that blends seamlessly with Jackson’s voice.

The song’s traditional country sound and its sensitive approach to a deeply personal and tragic story set it apart from more conventional holiday music. By addressing themes of loss and grief, it offers a reflective perspective on the Christmas season, inviting listeners to contemplate both the joy and the pain that can accompany this time of year.

Alan Jackson, a prominent figure in country music, is known for his rich baritone voice and his ability to blend traditional country with contemporary sounds. His career includes numerous hit singles and acclaimed albums, making him a significant contributor to the genre. Alison Krauss, with her distinctive voice and impressive skill as a bluegrass and country artist, complements Jackson’s style perfectly. Her career has been marked by critical acclaim and numerous awards, solidifying her status as one of the leading voices in contemporary country and bluegrass music.

Together, Jackson and Krauss create a memorable and emotional performance in “The Angels Cried,” demonstrating their ability to convey profound sentiments through their music. The song remains a testament to their artistry and their capacity to touch listeners with their heartfelt interpretations of life’s most profound experiences.