What Made The Baby Cry? by Toby Keith

Introduction:

Toby Keith‘s poignant masterpiece, “What Made The Baby Cry?”, is a deeply moving ballad that resonated with audiences upon its release in 1995. The track is housed within his album, “Christmas to Christmas”, a collection that largely explores themes of family, love, and reflection. While the album itself leans toward the country genre, this particular song transcends traditional boundaries, delivering a universal message that touches listeners across various musical tastes.

Penned by William Golay, the song’s narrative unfolds like a haunting lullaby. It paints a vivid picture of a world filled with pain, hunger, and despair, all seen through the innocent eyes of a newborn baby. The lyrics evoke a profound sense of empathy and introspection as listeners contemplate the harsh realities faced by countless individuals.

While not a chart-topping hit in the traditional sense, “What Made The Baby Cry?” has garnered a dedicated following over the years. Its impact lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level, prompting contemplation and compassion. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message and the evocative power of Keith’s vocal delivery.

Beyond its musical merits, the song has also been praised for its social commentary. By highlighting the plight of the world’s vulnerable, “What Made The Baby Cry?” serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of human compassion and the urgent need for positive change.

In an era dominated by upbeat, party anthems, Toby Keith‘s decision to include such a somber and introspective track on a Christmas album was a bold move. It showcased his versatility as an artist and his willingness to explore deeper themes beyond the typical country fare.

Video:

Lyrics:

“What Made The Baby Cry?”

On a cold night, late December
As the snow fell to earth
That’s the one night, we remember
When a woman gave birth
And for miles and miles around
The baby’s cry was the only soundDid He know the world was filled with pain
Could He feel all the hunger and the shame
Or did He know about the way He would die
And the reason why
Is that what made the baby cry?
Is that what made the baby cry?As his Mother turned to hold Him
Her face filled with joy
He grew quiet when She told Him
He was more than just her baby boy
And for miles and miles around
Her lullaby was the only soundDid She know the world was filled with pain
Could She feel all the hunger and the shame
Or did She know about the way He would die
And the reason why
Is that what made Her baby cry?
Is that what made Her baby cry?

And as He fell asleep
She wiped away His tears
But the question still remains
Have we changed in two thousand years

Don’t you know the world is still in pain
Can’t you feel all the hunger and the shame
Did we forget about the way that He died
And the reason why
Would we still make the baby cry?
Would we still make the baby cry?