Here’s another “whisper” from the 37 Days of Christmas that we originally released in 2019/2020. “Whisper” is a term my dad uses to describe his songs that are recordings in progress. Here’s what he wrote about “Shepherd’s Tale”:
“This song is exactly what the title implies—it’s a tale: based on a true story, but full of imagination and poetic liberties. It’s fun! If you want the accurate version, I recommend you read Luke 2, which inspired this tale.”
So, if you haven’t already, go read Luke 2 this Christmas season.
— Trailand
PS. We’ve had a lot of fun playing this one on tour this season! If you heard it at a show reply to this email.
A Shepherd’s Tale | Lyrics
I was watching moonlight sparkle in the dew drops on the grass,
I was watching the horizon for the day.
We were watching over sheep all night and they were sleeping fast
Trying to find new ways to stay awake.
it made no rhyme or reason
‘cause it was simply not the season
Fall began descending down the mountain slope
and it looked like stars were falling then we heard each of them calling
Then the fall burst into flame and then it spoke:
It said put away your fear boys,
I’ve got something good to say
I think you’d best sit down there by your stock;
The news is so unnerving I’m afraid that you might faint,
It’s bizarre enough I think that you might laugh
In the city of your King inside your next door neighbor’s barn
something happened and the world will never be the same
Earlier this evening unto you a child was born,
He’s the Messiah, and Jesus is His name.
Glory in the highest, peace down here on Earth.
Glory in the highest, peace down here on Earth.
Glory in the highest and salvation on the Earth,
there is peace to anybody who believes it.
Glory in the highest and salvation on the Earth,
there is peace to anybody who believes it.
We went running down the same road that we walked on many times,
found them in the stable just like he said we would.
Well I humbly made an entrance and asked if we might take a vote
Cause like this never happens in our neighborhood.
That made the boy then smile and he said “sure you can stay awhile,
but you must tell me every detail every part”
So the menfolk told their stories about angels about glories
She just sat there with her hand upon her heart.
Then she sang Glory in the highest, peace down here on Earth.
Glory in the highest, peace down here on Earth.
Glory in the highest and salvation on the Earth,
there is peace to anybody who believes it.
Glory in the highest and salvation on the Earth,
there is peace to anybody who believes it.
I remembered angels in the field keeping their watch over my flock
So I thought that it was time we should return.
It was just the way we left them, Gabriel sitting there on the rock
So I told him everything that I had learned.
I said I’d seen the savior but I’d still like one more favor,
and I promise not to keep you very long,
But I sure did like that chorus, would you sing it once more for us,
And I’d like to know if I could sing a-long.
Glory in the highest, peace down here on Earth.
Glory in the highest, peace down here on Earth.
Glory in the highest and salvation on the Earth,
there is peace to anybody who believes it.
Glory in the highest and salvation on the Earth,
there is peace to anybody who believes it.
37 Days of Christmas 