In the Bleak Midwinter Earth Stood Hard as Iron

The original tune is set in F major using traditional harmony. The suspensions are set at words which reveal tension to be resolved, which I have not always done. The tonal structure is of a modified strophic design (A-[A]-B-A) in five verses.

The textual structure is curious and even novel for that era. The A-(A)-B section of each verse makes "mixed" use of the words. Yet, the ends of the last "A" sections contain only three words or three syllables.

Thus, "give my heart" sounds strangely empty on first hearing. However, it makes the structural beat pattern consistent. Yes, the rhyme scheme is A-B-C-B-D-E-F-E. Also, I have purposefully used all five originalverses so as to obtain full, glorious, Christmas storytelling!

What gift can I give to the Christ Child? If the midwinter snow fully covers up all my transgressions, only to have them revealed again in spring, then I will give The Christ Child my contrite heart to balance the wager of my soul! -James McCullough
Duration: 4:30