Jackson Browne - "The Rebel Jesus"

[giovannina]

This isn't a new release, but it's one of the most haunting and thought-provoking Christmas songs I've heard. Jackson Browne wrote it, recorded it on his own, and also has performed and recorded it with The Chieftains. The collaboration with The Chieftains, which is on their "The Bells Of Dublin" album, is the best version I've heard, as the bagpipes really suit the song well.

You can d/l the song individually at iTunes, etc., but the whole "Bells Of Dublin," with a great ensemble list of artists, is available (all 21 songs) to download for $9.99.


Anyone else familiar with this song?

[giovannina]

Here are the lyrics:

THE REBEL JESUS
(Jackson Browne)

Original recording from the album The Bells Of Dublin, by The Chieftains et al.

The streets are filled with laughter and light
And the music of the season,
And the merchants' windows are all bright
With the faces of the children,
And the families hurrying to their homes
As the sky darkens and freezes
Will be gathering around the hearths and tales,
Giving thanks for all God's graces
And the birth of The Rebel Jesus.

They call him by the "Prince of Peace"
And they call him by "The Saviour,"
And they pray to him upon the sea
And in every bold endeavor
As they fill his churches with their pride and gold
And their faith in him increases,
But they've turned the nature that I worshipped in
From a temple to a robber's den,
In the words of The Rebel Jesus.

We guard our world with locks and guns
And we guard our fine possessions,
And once a year when Christmas comes
We give to our relations,
And perhaps we give a little to the poor
If the generosity should seize us,
But if any one of us should interfere
In the business of why they are poor,
They get the same as The Rebel Jesus.

So, pardon me if I have seemed
To take the tone of judgement,
For I've no wish to come between
This day and your enjoyment.
In this life of hardship and of earthly toil
We have need for anything that frees us,
So I bid you pleasure and I bid you cheer
From a pagan and a heathen
On the side of The Rebel Jesus.

© 1991 BMG Music