LIFE IN BETHLEHEM TOWN is a Christmas parody of Life in a Northern Town done by Sugarland, Jake Owen and Little Big Town.
Turns out the original song was done by The Dream Academy. The album notes indicate that it was done as a tribute to deceased Nick Drake. The song itself was about a small blue-collar town in England where the ship yards were closed down and many people were out of work. I also found references on the internet that theorized that Nick Drake is the Sinatra-like figure referenced in the original lyrics and at the end, where the protagonist leaves on a train, that this is a metaphor for his death and he doesn’t wave good-bye because he committed suicide.
Bethlehem was a very small town also at the time of Jesus, approximately 250-400 people lived there and I’m pretty sure many were just scraping by at the time. Jesus would often “sit on the stony ground” and His followers would “come down to listen”. Then when “the evening turned to rain” Jesus ultimately leaves us too but instead of waving, He opens His arms and embraces us all from His cross.
LIFE IN BETHLEHEM TOWN
A parody of “Life in a Northern Town”
By Sugarland, Jake Owen and Little Big Town
VERSE 1
A heavenly star was displayed
And the shepherds watched so no one would stray,
The angels came praising God, praising God
And though the Inn was full this day
The stable had a manger and hay
This would be His birthday, His birth-day
CHORUS
Ego eimi into our sight
(Phonetically – AYgo - ayMEE – Greek for “I AM”)
Ego eimi came like they said
Life in Bethlehem town
VERSE 2
They gathered near our Kingdom Come
Bringing glory ‘round the first-born Son
And all who saw and heard, were amazed
Mary pondered would her people be saved?
As the shepherds danced and praised
And Magi bearing gifts, are following, the star
CHORUS
Ego eimi into our sight
Ego eimi came like they said
Life in Bethlehem town
Alleluia!
Ego eimi into our sight
Ego eimi came like they said
Life in Bethlehem town,
All our hope is in You
VERSE 3
Glory to God in the highest
Peace to those on whom His favor rests
The Savior is born, Emmanuel
Now all people will come to know
As their hearts begin to overflow
Jesus is The Way, The Truth and, The Light
CHORUS
Ego eimi into our life
Ego eimi came like they said
Life in Bethlehem town
Deliver me, oh Lord
Ego eimi into our life
Ego eimi came like they said
Life in Bethlehem town
All our hope is in You
Ego eimi into our life
Ego eimi came like they said
Life in Bethlehem town
Alleluia!
Ego eimi into our life
Ego eimi came like they said
Life in Bethlehem town
Alleluia!