About The Song
Ladies and gentlemen, for those of you who’ve journeyed with us through the decades, you know The Oak Ridge Boys have a special way of touching the heart. It’s not just the harmonies, though those are undeniably sublime. It’s the way they weave stories into song, tales of love, family, and the simple joys that make life rich.
Tonight, we’re going to revisit a gem from their repertoire, a song that speaks to the tender bond between parent and child. It’s a lullaby, a prayer, a promise all wrapped into one. I’m speaking, of course, of “Little One”.
Now, this isn’t your typical children’s song. It’s got that Oak Ridge Boys’ signature blend of country, gospel, and a touch of something else, something that tugs at the heartstrings and brings a tear to the eye. It’s a song for new parents, yes, but it’s also a song for those of us who remember when our own children were little ones, and it’s a song for anyone who cherishes the preciousness of life’s fleeting moments.
“Little One” was released in 1986 as part of the album “Seasons”. By this point, the group had already cemented their status as country music legends, but this song showed a softer, more intimate side. It wasn’t about the big stage or the roaring crowds; it was about the quiet moments at home, the ones that truly matter.
The lyrics, penned by Duane Allen himself, are simple yet profound. They speak of a parent’s hopes and dreams for their child, a desire to protect them from the world’s harshness, and a promise to always be there. And when those voices come together, those four-part harmonies that have become their trademark, it’s enough to give you chills.
Over the years, “Little One” has become a beloved classic. It’s been played at weddings, christenings, and countless family gatherings. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who’s ever loved a child, and it’s a reminder of the enduring power of music to capture life’s most precious moments.
So, sit back, close your eyes, and let The Oak Ridge Boys take you back to those precious early years. Let them remind you of the love you have for your own little ones, whether they’re still small enough to hold in your arms or grown with families of their own. This is “Little One”, a song that will stay with you long after the music fades.
Video
Lyric
She sat by the fireside
Till her eyes became too heavy
And she wandered off in dreams with elves that play
Daddy found her sleeping and took her up to bed
Where she would spend the night in Santa’s flying sleighChristmas was a whispering in her ear
Sounds that only children’s hearts can hearLittle One
In the morning when you waken
You’ll find your every dream has taken form
There’ll be joy
Christmas day will come to life because of you
You are loved, Little OneMary lay and pondered
Till her eyes became too heavy
And she finally found the rest she’d struggled for
Joseph sat in silence
Watched the baby sleeping
Wondered what the future held in storeAngle voices whispered in his ear
Reaching down he drew the baby nearLittle one
In the morning when you waken
The world will find that God has taken form
There’ll be joy
And the earth will have new life
Because of you
You are loved, Little OneLittle One
In the morning when you waken
The world will find that God has taken form
There’ll be joy
And the earth will have new life
Because of you
You are loved, Little OneLittle One
In the morning when you waken
The world will find that God has taken form
There’ll be joy
And the earth will have new life
Because of you