OldiesButGoodies

Country

Toby Keith – What Made The Baby Cry?

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Introduction:

Toby Keith’s “What Made The Baby Cry?” is a contemplative ballad featured on his 1995 holiday album, Christmas to Christmas. Departing from his typical patriotic and often lighthearted country themes, Keith explores deeper spiritual and existential questions in this song. The track reflects on the birth of Jesus Christ, questioning whether the infant could sense the pain, suffering, and challenges of the world He was born into, as well as the sacrifices He would ultimately make.

Set against a serene yet introspective melody, the song contrasts the joy of new life with the solemnity of the world’s struggles. Keith’s lyrics highlight the contrast between the innocence of the Christ child and the harsh realities of humanity. He also ponders whether society has learned from the lessons of the past or if the pain that “made the baby cry” persists two millennia later.

“What Made The Baby Cry?” stands out among holiday songs for its reflective tone and profound messaging. Its focus on human struggles and the message of love and redemption offers listeners a thoughtful perspective during the festive season. As part of Christmas to Christmas, a collection of original holiday tracks, this song showcases Keith’s ability to delve into meaningful storytelling, making it a poignant addition to his discography.

Video:

https://youtu.be/Y32046UH7TA?si=4-EDLrYqV8BVGMU4

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Merle Haggard rarely needed to invent heartbreak. He had known it since childhood. In 1946, when Merle was only nine years old, his father, James Haggard, died following a stroke. For a boy who deeply needed his father’s presence, the loss became a turning point. His mother, Flossie, worked to support the family. Merle, meanwhile, became increasingly restless. He skipped school, ran away, got into trouble, and began a long journey through juvenile institutions that eventually led somewhere far darker. Looking back at his life, it is difficult not to see that nine-year-old boy behind many of the adult Merle Haggard’s songs. People later called him a rebel, an outlaw and a survivor. But before any of those labels existed, there was simply a grieving boy who had lost his dad—and never seemed to completely outrun that loss.

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