I have been out quite a bit this year. Between health issues, and an overwhelming work schedule, it has been a real challenge to keep up with all my friends here. I hope to do a better job in the future!

I finally got around to writing a new one for Christmas, called The Baby From Bethlehem. The BIAB RealTracks are listed below. I played the organ, and orchestration to go with it. I hope you enjoy it!

The Baby From Bethlehem

Here are the lyrics...

The Baby From Bethlehem
Copyright Stephen W. Young

The sun shines on the meadow
And the dew is still on the ground
There's a newborn baby crying
And the angels are all around

Was a long and dangerous journey
That brought them to Bethlehem
But every turn was part of the plan
And the world would never be the same

The sun shines on the meadow
And the dew is still on the ground
There's a newborn baby crying
And the angels are all around

We must always remember
That baby from Bethlehem
Mary's little boy was God's own son
Sent to redeem us from sin

The sun shines on the meadow
And the dew is still on the ground
There's a newborn baby crying
And the angels are all around

===

And here are the RealTracks used...

RealTracks in song: ~824:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Country Waltz Sw 085
RealTracks in song: 2450:Guitar, Nylon, Rhythm CountryWaltzBrent Sw 085
RealTracks in song: ~981:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm CountryWaltzCleanHeld Sw 085
RealTracks in song: 1285:Guitar, Electric, Soloist CountryWaltzBrent Sw 085

Hi Steve,

It's really good to see you again.

This song has such a beautiful overall sound; the way you sing it, the clarity with which the instruments play and the mix. I am always spellbound by your arrangements and their instrumentation. You have a wonderful ability to select and then to blend those timbres and instruments that compliment each other to the maximum. I've learnt such a great deal from listening to your work over the years.

These lyrics are terrific, too. The way that you have chosen to have a verse with minimal rhyme serves to amplify the chorus. It also makes the verses sound like someone is speaking them rather than singing them (if that makes sense). Your lyric approach intrigued me and appealed to me.

There's a great deal to like about this creation of yours

I hope you and your family have a joyful and blessed Christmas,
Noel

Outstanding Christmas song, the production from you as always is superb, great lyrics and vocal; thanks for sharing!

So simple and so richly beautiful Steve.

Good to see you.

Josie

There are some postings you know before you open them that you know the song will be good and you're gonna like it. Such it is with a Steve Young song post. Steve, you have versatility, tone, empathy, whatever is right for a song, you always have it. The only thing I think you could do better -- is to post more often.

This is a beautiful song so nicely arranged and performed. Thanks for posting.


Charlie

Beautiful song. Well done

Beautifully done. The arrangement, the vocal,
the RT choice, the mix all come together
perfectly. It nice to hear a waltz and the
nylon string guitar works very well.

A fine way to start our morning!

J&B

Steve,

Great to hear from you again.

Beautifully written, arranged, produced, sung, recorded. mixed.

Can't think of anything else....

floyd

Same here!

I pray that you are feeling better and we will hear more songs from you in the coming year.

Steve, This will be played multiple times in our household this season. Beautifully written, sung and produced. I have always looked to the clarity and quality of your mixes as a benchmark. This one is no exception. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Tom

Cool Song Cuz!

Nice Christmas tune. One of these years I am going to write a full Christmas album, things like this inspire me. Excellent arrangement and production. Outstanding!! Love it.

Hi Steve,

beautiful song. Everything fits.
Merry Christmas to you.

Guenter

I am running short on time tonight, so I will just say thank you so much to all of you who have posted such kind words about this song! So glad you enjoy it. It means so much to me that you all would take the time to listen and comment.

(Hope to be around a lot more now!)

Steve

Simple, honest, beautiful!! The arrangement is sparse perfection-everything works. Love the organ part you played. Wonderful listen! Take care. Greg

Beautiful as they say Radio Ready song from you again Steve.

Always look forward to something new from you and the fantastic mix you produce.

I have to check out where you posted in tips and tricks your mixing tips, as I have it saved somewhere as well, can learn a lot from you.

Great song Steve and Happy Christmas.

Musiclover

Steve,

So good to hear you again... Beautiful song and delivery. Loved it.

Bob

Nice classic country sound to this.

Recorded and written well.


Nits: I think the vox are too up front and a tad dry. It has an almost overloaded sound to it...like the levels were being pushed due to it being mostly acoustic and wanting to get the volume up....

Love that B3 floating in the background. The guitar lead is too far in the back of the solo..... it should be the star and shine through.

Lovely work.

Steve
Agreed with all the above. Steady and cool vocals! I think I'll put this one under the Christmastree
Best wishes!
F

Beautiful song Steve.

Merry Christmas.


Bob

Hi, Steve !

So fine you got time to
do this one ! It is a
very beautiful song
indeed ! I loved it !:))

Merry Xmas Steve
and a HNY too !:))

Cheers
Dani

Well Steve,

you surely managed to compose a wonderful and honest Christmas song!
like I said before, I really love your voice, it's got a very subtle warmth and smoothness.
The backing vocal also sounds really cool.
Looking forward to hearing more of your stuff!

Rob

Steve,

beautiful.

good to hear you back

Have a pleasant Christmas

Alyn