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Post by Trusty on Dec 23, 2008 12:48:25 GMT -5
It's a dilemma, I tell you.
One of the most beautiful and moving Christmas songs is actually grammatically incorrect! Or is it? I seek advice from the Chatterbox English majors here.
Since the words of the song "Mary, Did You Know" are speaking to her in the present tense, shouldn't the title and lyrics be:
"Mary DO you know"?
Thank you for your help, and, in spite of my dilemma, MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone!
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Post by rogesgallery on Dec 23, 2008 14:18:26 GMT -5
Though I did sing in Lutheran church choir before my voice changed, that has been a couple of years ago and at present I am not familiar with the tune. Could you sing a few verses for us and post it as an MP3?
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Post by rogesgallery on Dec 23, 2008 14:29:18 GMT -5
Better yet, how about a YouTube video.
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Post by sailor on Dec 23, 2008 17:57:46 GMT -5
Mary did you know? Mary Do you know? Mary had a little lamb? Mary, how does you garden grow? Mary, Mary, quite contrary...
Trusty, I'm not so sure did/do is important, but I respect you so I'm going to break out my copy of Strunk & White and see if I can figure this out. However, roges has a point too. I think you need to fulfill his request before I can do further research.
Mike
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Post by Gracie on Dec 23, 2008 21:51:10 GMT -5
Better yet, how about a YouTube video. [a href=" www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0WIJw8JVeU"] www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0WIJw8JVeU[/a][/url] Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters? Did you know, that your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you. Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand? Did you know, that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little baby, you've kissed the face of God. The blind will see The deaf will hear The dead will live again. The lame will leap The dumb will speak The praises of The Lamb. Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation? Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations? Did you know, that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb? This sleeping child you're holding, is the great I AM. I hope I did this right. You may have to copy and paste the link though to watch the video elsewhere. My understanding of this is that it is an angel singing this, watching over Mary, who is completely unaware. I've seen it used during the Nativity, when she has eyes only for her new baby, and I've seen it during the Crucifixion, when she is watching Him die. Both are powerful. So in this context I think the grammar is correct--as if the angel is asking, did you know what would come to be.... I love this song. Always have. |
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Post by doctork on Dec 25, 2008 1:14:52 GMT -5
I'd never even heard this song before.
Shortly after I read the first post about it, I had the "seasonal music" radio station playing on cable and "Mary Did You Know?" came on. It didn't seem all that Christmasy to me, but I suppose that's because I was very familiar with all the other tunes they play. This one was new to me so no opinion yet.
Your explanation makes it more meaningful to me, Gracie. Thanks for providing the lyrics.
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Post by Trusty on Dec 26, 2008 21:26:26 GMT -5
Wow, These last few days have been crammed with STUFF to do. It's good, and now I can see "the light at the end...etc."
I guess the song would be grammatically correct if it went, "Mary did you know at the time...", but then you have this musical flow thingy to worry about. ;D
Luv you guys.
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