The Christians and The Pagans

This time of year is always a bit odd for me. My Father is an Atheist. My Mother is a Catholic.

For years I was also an Atheist, but the world around me just seemed more magical than that and in my teens I choose to be a Pagan. With a name like Gardner how could I not be a Wiccan. LOL.

This song by Dar Williams is one of my favorite songs this time of year because it's about people of different beliefs sitting together and enjoying the season. With so much bile being slung around these days, whether it's Faux New's "War on Christmas" or the Family Research Council working at a feverish pace to legalize inequality this song makes you think, "What's the fighting all about?" We are all family. We are all different. Being different doesn't make someone evil. Grow up people.





Lyrics & Chords:

Amber called her uncle, said "We're up here for the holiday

Jane and I were having Solstice, now we need a place to stay"

And her Christ-loving uncle watched his wife hang Mary on a tree

He watched his son hang candy canes all made with red dye number three

He told his niece, "It's Christmas eve, I know our life is not your style"

She said, "Christmas is like Solstice, and we miss you and it's been awhile"

/ G C Am D / / Em C Am D / / G C Am D / /

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table

Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able

And just before the meal was served, hands were held and prayers were said

Sending hope for peace on earth to all their gods and goddesses

/ G C Em D / / Em C Am D / Em C Am D G - /

The food was great, the tree plugged in, the meal had gone without a hitch

Till Timmy turned to Amber and said, "Is it true that you're a witch?"

His mom jumped up and said, "The pies are burning," and she hit the kitchen

And it was Jane who spoke, she said, "It's true, your cousin's not a Christian"

"But we love trees, we love the snow, the friends we have, the world we share

And you find magic from your God, and we find magic everywhere"

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table

Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able

And where does magic come from, I think magic's in the learning

Cause now when Christians sit with Pagans only pumpkin pies are burning

When Amber tried to do the dishes, her aunt said, "Really, no, don't bother"

Amber's uncle saw how Amber looked like Tim and like her father

He thought about his brother, how they hadn't spoken in a year

He thought he'd call him up and say, "It's Christmas and your daughter's here"

He thought of fathers, sons and brothers, saw his own son tug his sleeve saying

"Can I be a Pagan?" Dad said, "We'll discuss it when they leave"

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table

Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able

Lighting trees in darkness, learning new ways from the old, and

Making sense of history and drawing warmth out of the cold