Dave Matthews Band – Christmas Song

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  My Interpretation:I think my favorite line of this song is when he says "Instead I fear I’ve spilled the blood of our children all around". I believe, by saying this, Dave is hinting at the fact that Jesus tied on the cross in order to save us--which is what he knew he had to do. However, Jesus, and religion in general, is a big cause for hate among the world. Think of how many wars are the result of conflicting religious beliefs. It is sort of a 'what have I done' type thing where Jesus realizes what kind of spark he caused among people. Dave is trying to say that people should be allowed to believe what they want, and not be condemned by their own beliefs.

  Flag gbw5027on December 09, 2011   Link

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  General Comment:I am performing this song soon because I really love the story line/music and how it all goes together. I am a believer of Jesus Christ and I profess him as my saviour. That being said, here's my only issue with the song. the line "Instead I fear I've spilled the blood of our children all around." To me (just my opinion) this implies that Jesus didn't know what was going to happen or that it didn't work out like it was supposed to. I believe God is all knowing and this doesn't jive with my beliefs in Jesus's (who is God as well) not knowing what was going to happen. When I read the bible it clearly states (again to me) that Jesus knew he would be condemned and killed all along and that was part of his purpose. The only questioning he ever offered were to ask God "father, if there is anyway this cup could be passed from me, let it be. However, thy will be done. I take that as if there is anyway else we can offer redemption for humanity, that would be preferred, but I will do your will father. So when performing it I'm planning on singing "and now I see they've spilled the blood of our children all around" splitting hairs a bit I know but it's important to me. Anyways, beautiful song and I love that it's about the true meaning of Christmas... Christ

  Flag savedsoulon November 24, 2010   Link

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    read my comment below

    Flag gbw5027on December 09, 2011  
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  General Comment:This song baffled me for a long time as to what it meant. I know that Dave, while he is a spiritual person, is a skeptic of organized religion. I too am not a fan of organized religion, so for a long time this song drove me away, despite it beauty and simplicity. But I listened to it again recently and it has an entirely new meaning to me, and has become one of my favorite songs Dave has ever written.
  
  Dave does get in a jab at religion when he says "instead of fear I've spilled the blood of my children all around" which makes me think of the Crusades and other Holy Wars that are fought in the name of some religion. But overall, this song has a very positive message. The Church equates sinning with with being bad, but Dave does not agree with that. He says that we may be gamblers and robbers, drinkers and jokers, or sinners in other words. But that does not mean we cannot look inside of ourselves and find love for one another. My favorite line of the whole song is "Father up above, why in all this hatred do you fill us up with love?" and I love it so much because hatred and love are complete opposites, and it would appear as though both can't exist at the same time.
  
  I think that the whole message of this song is that nobody, not even Jesus who visited a prostitute, can be perfect in the eyes of the Lord, the way the Catholic church wants us to be. So instead, we just need to do the best we can and love each other amidst all of this hatred.
  
  Peace

  Flag AcouzStick89on April 13, 2010   Link

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  General Comment:i heard that Dave changed the song after his sister, Anne, was murdered. has anyone else heard about this? and if so, do you know what was changed? (my versions seem consistent with the posted lyrics)

  Flag slowly fall aparton December 15, 2008   Link

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  General Comment:It's funny how an agnostic can write more moving songs about Jesus than most Christian bands.

  Flag sikhmanbedion January 15, 2008   Link

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  General Comment:Wow. I want to thank everyone for their interpretations of this song. I was having a hard time understanding what the "blood of our children" lines were about. I'm not sure I still know but I definitely have food for thought.
  
  I am hopeful that the overlying message in most of the responses is love (with the exception of a few name callers..is there really any need to do that because some differs in their opinions from you?)
  
  Hope you all have a peaceful and love filled Holiday

  Flag jenwrichardson December 22, 2007   Link

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    this is why religion is rediculous!!!everyone has the right to beleive what they want, but god forbid your religion go against anyone elses and you will be chastized!!! The reason i read the bible at home and don't go to church!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Flag MunkeyBoy07on December 25, 2009  
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  General Comment:Does anyone see the irony in a lot of these posts? This song was written about a great story of a man who preached that everyone should love those around them, no matter what kind of person that he or she was. His teachings were then twisted by others for hatred and violence. As the song says "I came to shed a little light on this darkening scene. Instead I fear I’ve spilled the blood of our children all around." It wasn't His teachings that failed, many men failed to follow his idea. Rather than accepting everyone, it is common to believe that someone with a different view is wrong, no matter how small the detail. Now an amazing artist makes an amazing song and people are arguing over the little things. Does it matter how close Dave Matthews' spiritual views are to the Christian views most commonly accepted? Listen to Dave's song lyrics and when he talks. He is a good man no matter how close his views are to yours. Also, does it matter if Mary was a prostitute? Even if someone could prove that a woman who lived 2000 years ago was a prostitute, Jesus taught to love your neighbor as yourself. He didn't say love only those people who are morally pure. In posts for several DMB songs on this web page people are calling each other idiots and retards because they don't share the same view. The way two people view a song and disagree over the meaning is analogous to two people's view on spirituality. The song or teaching is good, but what the viewer makes of it is up to the viewer. Lets get back to the basics and just love each other, the rest will work itself out. As another great artist said, "All you need is love."

  Flag rjamesson November 25, 2007   Link

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    I thoroughly agree with everything you said.

    Flag ERoths711on February 22, 2009  
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  General Comment:Jesus' teaching throughout the New Testament is based on the "Law of Love" what he believed the most important comandment of all. Love God above all and love your neighbor as yourself.... but i think something that everyone is missing is where dave says. He said, "Eat this bread, think of it as me... whether dave is christian or not...this is obviously not a Christians belief.. christians believe that when we break the bread in the eucharist that it is actually jesus not just a replica of what he did.

  Flag erringtonavenueon June 03, 2007   Link

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  General Comment:Very interesting to see how he explains the story of a MAN
  who change the world. Simple but touching story. Only Dave can sing about Jesus that way. Save Me is also a great song.

  Flag redmoignonon April 25, 2007   Link

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  General Comment:Dave is very much fascinated with Jesus Christ, but is on record several times as not having a belief in God..
  
  The most powerful lyric in this song - "Oh, Daddy-o, I can see how it all soon will be.
  I came to shed a little light on this darkening scene.
  Instead I fear I’ve spilled the blood of our children all around." - speaks of religion's role so much of the conflict that has taken place in the posterity of the sacrifice..
  
  Dave's not a Christian, by any means. No matter how Christian you are, and how badly you want to believe he is as well to help yourself sleep better at night, he's not. I 100% guarantee that.

  Flag DeliciousSooner95on April 24, 2007   Link

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