The Christians And The Pagans
Dar Williams
[Verse 1]
Amber called her uncle said we're up here for the holidays
Jane and I were having Solstice now we need a place to stay
And her Christ-loving uncle watched his wife hang merry on a tree
He watched his son hang candy canes all made with red dye number three
He told his niece it's Christmas Eve I know our life is not your style
She said Christmas is like Solstice and we miss you and it's been a while
[Chorus]
So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able
[Bridge]
Just before the meal was served hands were held and prayers were said
Sending hope for peace on earth to all their gods and goddesses
[Verse 2]
The food was great the tree plugged in the meal had gone without a hitch
'Till Timmy turned to Amber and said is it true that you're a witch
His mom jumped up and said the pies are burning and she hit the kitchen
And it was Jane who spoke and said it's true the cousin's not a Christian
But we love trees we love the snow the friends we have the world we share
And you magic from your god and we find magic everywhere
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
Where does magic come from I think magic's in the learning
'Cause now when Christians sit with Pagans only pumpkin pies are burning
[Verse 3]
When Amber tried to do the dishes her aunt said really no don't bother
Amber's uncle saw how Amber looked like him and like her father
He thought about his brother how they hadn't spoken in a year
He thought he'd call him up and say it's Christmas and your daughter here
He thought of fathers sons and brothers saw his own son tug his sleeve
Saying can I be a Pagan dad said we'll discuss it when they leave
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
Lighting trees in darkness learning new ways from the old
And making sense of history and drawing warmth out of the cold