1. There's a song in the air! There's a star in the sky! There's a mother's deep prayer and a baby's low cry! And the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing, For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King! 2. There's a tumult of joy o'er the wonderful birth, For the virgin's sweet Boy is the Lord of the earth. Ay! the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing, For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King! 3. In the light of that star lie the ages impearled; And that song from afar has swept over the world. Every hearth is aflame, and the beautiful sing In the homes of the nations that Jesus is King! 4.We rejoice in the light, and we echo the song That comes down through the night from the heavenly throng. Ay! we shout to the lovely evangel they bring, And we greet in His cradle our Savior and King!
Lyrics: Josiah Gilbert Holland
Music: Karl Pomeroy Harrington
Tune: CHRISTMAS SONG
Meter: 6.6.6.6.12.12.
Josiah G. Holland, 1819–1881
Born in Belchertown, Massachusetts, Josiah Gilbert Holland began his professional career as a medical doctor. But soon he became involved in writing and editorial work and eventually helped establish Scribner’s Magazine. “There’s a Song in the Air” first appeared in a Sunday school collection in 1874 and five years later in Holland’s Complete Poetical Writings. The present tune, “Christmas Song,” was composed for these words by Karl P. Harrington approximately twenty-five years later. The composer was a recognized church musician, serving in various Methodist churches as organist and choir director. He was also one of the musical editors for the Methodist Hymnal of 1905, when the present version of the carol first appeared.