About the song
Have you ever heard a song that seems to touch the very soul? A melody so pure and simple yet so profound? “When A Child Is Born” is one such song. This timeless classic, popularized by the velvety voice of Johnny Mathis, has captivated audiences for generations.
The song’s origins can be traced back to the Italian instrumental “Soleado” by Ciro Dammicco. However, the best known version of the song is perhaps the Jack Gold version for Johnny Mathis. Entitled “When A Child Is Born (Soleado)” with B-side a cover version of the Charlie Rich hit “Every Time You Touch Me (I Get High),” it became Johnny Mathis’ sole number one single in the UK Singles Chart, spending three weeks at the top of the chart in December 1976, including the coveted Christmas number one slot, and selling 885,000 copies. In the US, it appeared in the Record World survey in both the Christmas seasons of 1976 and 1977, reaching a maximum position of No. 123, and racking up 10 chart weeks. In addition, Mathis re-recorded the song as a duet with Gladys Knight & the Pips. This version reached Record World No. 137 during the Christmas season of 1980, and the UK Singles Chart at No. 79.
What is it about this song that has made it such a enduring favorite? Perhaps it’s the simplicity of the melody. The tune is instantly recognizable, evoking feelings of warmth, joy, and hope. Or perhaps it’s the lyrics, which speak to the universal experience of love and the miracle of new life. Whatever the reason, “When A Child Is Born” has a special place in the hearts of millions of people around the world.
It’s interesting to note the song’s history. The same melody was used with German lyrics by Michael Holm in “Tränen lügen nicht” (translation: Tears Don’t Lie) in 1974. In German, the song is unrelated to Christmas. The singer asks a guy to reconsider breaking up with his girl because her tears don’t lie. Holm recorded a new version of “Tränen lugen nicht” for the international market, with new lyrics in English by Fred Jay, “When A Child Is Born”. That version was a minor hit in the US, reaching #53 on Billboard’s Hot 100, #7 on Billboard’s Easy Listening Top 50. The tune was used for Mark ‘Oh’s 1995 dance hit, also called “Tears Don’t Lie”.
While the dance remix by Mark ‘Oh gave the song a new lease on life, it’s the original version by Johnny Mathis that truly captures the essence of the song. Mathis’ smooth, velvety voice brings a sense of warmth and intimacy to the lyrics, making it the perfect song to listen to on a cold winter’s night.
“When A Child Is Born” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. Its simple yet beautiful melody, combined with heartfelt lyrics, has made it a beloved favorite for generations. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pop music or simply appreciate a good song, “When A Child Is Born” is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Video
Lyrics
A ray of hope flickers in the sky
A tiny star lights up way up high
All across the land, dawns a brand new morn
This comes to pass when a child is born
A silent wish sails the seven seas
The winds of change whisper in the trees
And the walls of doubt crumble, tossed and torn
This comes to pass when a child is born
A rosy hue settles all around
You’ve got to feel you’re on solid ground
For a spell or two, no one seems forlorn
This comes to pass when a child is born
And all of this happens because the world is waiting
Waiting for one child
Black, white, yellow, no one knows
But a child that will grow up and turn tears to laughter
Hate to love, war to peace and everyone to everyone’s neighbour
And misery and suffering will be words to be forgotten forever
It’s all a dream, an illusion now
It must come true, sometime soon somehow
All across the land, dawns a brand new morn
This comes to pass when a child is born