Mary's Boy Child

“Mary’s Boy Child” is a Christmas song written by the American composer and choral conductor Jester Hairston in 1956. Hairston, a noted arranger of spirituals and gospel music, originally wrote the song for a birthday party in a calypso style, but soon adapted it into a Christmas piece when asked to compose something for a performance. Its joyful rhythm and Caribbean flavor set it apart from traditional European carols, giving it an instantly recognizable character.

The lyrics focus on the nativity story, announcing the birth of Christ to Mary and describing the angelic proclamation of “good tidings” to the world. It connects the birth of Jesus to the gift of salvation, presenting Him as both child and King. The refrain’s jubilant announcement, “Mary’s boy child, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day,” captures the essence of the Gospel message in a way that is both simple and deeply celebratory.

The song became globally famous after Harry Belafonte recorded it in 1956, bringing its calypso rhythms and sacred message to a wide audience. Later, other artists such as Boney M. further popularized it with their 1978 version, which became a worldwide hit. Despite its popular adaptations, the song’s message remains rooted in Scripture, pointing back to Luke 2:11 where the angel declares, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”