The Coventry Carol is not a song by John Denver, but a traditional Christmas carol that dates back to the 16th century. It is part of the Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors, a mystery play that was performed in Coventry, England. The song tells the story of the Massacre of the Innocents, which is described in the Gospel of Matthew. King Herod ordered the slaughter of all male infants in Bethlehem in an attempt to kill the newborn Jesus, whom he feared would challenge his reign. In the carol, the mothers of the slain children mourn their loss and sing a lullaby to soothe their tiny, innocent babies. The lyrics lament the tragedy of the event and express sorrow for the innocent lives lost. The carol is often performed in a haunting and melancholic manner, emphasizing the sadness and mourning associated with the story. Despite its somber tone, it serves as a reminder of the hope and joy brought by the birth of Jesus.
