How a whining kid brought joy to the world

Holiday music can do magic.

Carols tend to conjure feelings associated with childhood memories and hopes, so on a rather moody day I popped in my current favorite, Idaho’s own Brian Crain's "A Traditional Christmas" (Briancrain.com). The piano keys began to soothe. My thoughts shifted and by the third song, I was smiling.

Each carol has its own story, some more human-inspired than holy. Popular carols weren't introduced until well after religious reforms of the 12th century. Before then, the church court approved only the most somber hymns.

Few things are more quintessentially human than a bored teenager in a church pew, so nearly three centuries ago, as the story goes, a whining kid inspired a classic.

It seems young Isaac Watts didn't enjoy church. The English teen complained to Dad that church songs were boring. Which brought the typical dad reply, “Then you should do something about it.”

He had to grow up first, but Isaac sure showed him. Watts wrote "Joy to the World" (based on the 98th psalm and set to Handel's music), along with many other hymns still sung worldwide.

Fun fact: Isaac Watts' first publisher was Ben Franklin.

Speaking of politicians, if you think they can’t get creative, think again. When he wasn't running the city of Roquemaure, French mayor Placide Clappeau dabbled in poetry. In 1947, he wrote the lyrics for "O Holy Night," set to music composed by Adolphe-Charles Adam. Adam is famous for his ballet "Giselle."

And speaking of holy nights, the first “Silent Night” really was silent, in a way. At least it was devoid of the usual accompaniment. In 1818, the church organ in an Austrian village was broken. Disappointed that it couldn't be fixed in time for Christmas service, poor Father Mohr had to quickly come up with a song that didn't need it. He wrote "Silent Night" (rumor has it somebody brought a guitar).

Whatever tunes inspire you, may they bring joy and tranquility this and every holiday season.

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Email sholeh@cdapress.com.