About the Song
Now, settle in folks, and gather around for a heartwarming tale set a little closer to home than the dusty plains of the Middle East. Today, we’re taking a trip with country music icon Toby Keith and his holiday classic, “Bethlehem in Birmingham”.
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This ain’t your typical Christmas carol. Keith, known for his rough and tumble persona and anthemic songs about America, throws a curveball here. “Bethlehem in Birmingham” takes the familiar story of the nativity and places it smack dab in the American South, reminding us that the magic of Christmas can unfold anywhere, even in a place far removed from the biblical Bethlehem.
Released in 1995 on Keith’s album “Christmas to Christmas”, the song paints a picture of a young couple, Mary and Joe, facing a very real situation. They’re not royalty nestled in a palace; they’re everyday folks living on a rundown farm outside of Birmingham, Alabama.
Mary’s contractions are coming on strong, and there’s a frantic dash to the hospital – but with a twist. Their car, a trusty old Ford Falcon most likely, sputters and dies, leaving them stranded.
So where do they go? Keith doesn’t shy away from the simple truth. With no time to waste, they head for the familiar comfort of the barn – a far cry from the traditional manger scene. But just like the original story, the birth brings a light into the world, a beacon of hope amidst the Alabama fields.
“Bethlehem in Birmingham” is a reminder that faith and Christmas spirit can bloom anywhere. It’s a down-to-earth portrayal of the nativity story, sung in the unmistakable voice of a country music legend. So, put on your favorite flannel shirt, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and let Toby Keith take you on a journey to a “Bethlehem in Birmingham”.