It’s A Mesmerizing Song From Two Of Our Favorite Country Music Stars; Simply Exquisite

“The Angels Cried,” performed by Alan Jackson and featuring Alison Krauss, is a poignant ballad from Jackson’s 1993 holiday album *Honky Tonk Christmas*. The song is a unique blend of country music and Christmas themes, providing a narrative that is both moving and contemplative. It offers a reflective take on the holiday season, intertwining the joy of Christmas with the sorrow of loss.

The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a Christmas tragedy. They describe a family facing the heart-wrenching loss of their child on Christmas Day. The narrative opens with Jackson’s vocal performance, describing how people traveled from afar, guided by a star to witness the miraculous birth of Jesus. This imagery evokes a sense of reverence and awe as they reach the nativity scene, underscoring the profound significance of the event.

As the song unfolds, Jackson and Krauss express the grief and mourning of the family through their harmonized vocals. The poignant line “The angels cried on Christmas day” captures the emotional weight of the narrative, suggesting that even celestial beings were moved by the family’s sorrow. The description of the child’s tiny hand being held by his mother adds a deeply personal and tender element to the song, highlighting the intimate nature of the loss.

The chorus, featuring the harmony between Jackson and Krauss, emphasizes the song’s central theme: the juxtaposition of the joyful birth of Jesus with the somber event of the child’s passing. The lyrics, “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,” encapsulate the duality of Christmas as both a time of celebration and a time of reflection on personal loss.

Musically, “The Angels Cried” adheres to traditional country sounds, with a prominent use of acoustic guitar, fiddle, and steel guitar. These elements contribute to the song’s nostalgic and heartfelt tone. Alison Krauss’s contribution is particularly noteworthy; her signature harmonies add a layer of emotional depth and enhance the overall impact of the song. Krauss, known for her exceptional vocal ability and distinctive style, complements Jackson’s performance, creating a seamless blend of voices that enriches the song’s narrative.

The song stands out not only for its lyrical content but also for its ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful musical arrangements. The use of traditional instruments and the harmony between Jackson and Krauss create a classic country sound that resonates with listeners, particularly during the holiday season.

Alison Krauss’s involvement in the song is significant. Known for her contributions to bluegrass and country music, Krauss has garnered widespread acclaim for her vocal prowess and emotive performances. Her background includes a successful career with her band, Union Station, as well as numerous solo projects. Her work has been recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, underscoring her influence in the genre.

Overall, “The Angels Cried” remains a touching and emotional piece within Alan Jackson’s holiday repertoire. It captures the essence of Christmas as a time of both joy and sorrow, offering listeners a chance to reflect on the deeper meanings of the season. The combination of Jackson’s storytelling, Krauss’s harmonies, and the traditional country instrumentation make it a memorable and impactful song.