Heavenly Hosts

Album: A Drummer Boy Christmas (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is one of two original songs written by For King and Country for their first festive album, A Drummer Boy Christmas. A celebration of the wonder and power of Christmas, it starts off with a sparse piano introduction that soon evolves into a full orchestra crescendo, with Joel and Luke Smallbone declaring, "Love has come to save us."
  • Joel Smallbone told American Songwriter the song was written during a "cyber tag team writing session" between producer Benjamin Backus in the studio and Luke Smallbone, who was back home.

    "Benjamin (Backus) sent him a piano line that he thought was festive that really ended up becoming the foundation of the song," Smallbone recalled. "They then started sending voice memos of lyrics and melodies back and forth, and the song really started to take form."
  • The idea for A Drummer Boy Christmas album dates back to a 2012 fall night. During rehearsals for a Christmas tour in an old factory, the Smallbone brothers dreamt up their rendition of "The Little Drummer Boy," which became a staple in For King and Country's live performances. Eight years later, after a sack-full of Christmas tours, singles and EPs, the duo finally completed their first ever full-length Christmas record.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.

Mark Arm of Mudhoney

Mark Arm of MudhoneySongwriter Interviews

When he was asked to write a song for the Singles soundtrack, Mark thought the Seattle grunge scene was already overblown, so that's what he wrote about.

Christopher Cross

Christopher CrossSongwriter Interviews

The man who created Yacht Rock with "Sailing" wrote one of his biggest hits while on acid.

Howard Jones

Howard JonesSongwriter Interviews

Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.

Def Leppard Quiz

Def Leppard QuizMusic Quiz

Can you name Def Leppard's only #1 hit in America? Get rocked with this adrenalized quiz.

Trucking Songs That Were #1 Hits

Trucking Songs That Were #1 HitsSong Writing

The stories behind the biggest hit songs about trucking.