About the Song
Few voices feel as suited to sacred holiday music as Daniel O’Donnell’s. With his gentle Irish lilt and unwavering sincerity, Daniel brings a special reverence to every note he sings—and nowhere is that more beautifully felt than in his rendition of the beloved carol “Once in Royal David’s City.”
This classic hymn, first published in 1848, is more than just a Christmas song—it’s a musical nativity, telling the story of Christ’s humble birth in Bethlehem with grace and simplicity. And in Daniel’s hands, it becomes a soft prayer, carried on the hush of candlelight and memory. His delivery is understated and heartfelt, never showy, allowing the message of the lyrics to shine through with purity and peace.
There’s something particularly moving in how Daniel sings lines like “Once in royal David’s city / Stood a lowly cattle shed”—as if inviting listeners not just to hear the story, but to step into it. His arrangement stays true to tradition: soft organ or piano accompaniment, gentle pacing, and a focus on clarity and warmth.
This is not a song meant to impress—it’s meant to comfort, to reflect, and to connect. It reminds us of the quiet wonder at the heart of Christmas: not flashing lights or festive noise, but a still night, a guiding star, and the birth of hope itself.
Whether played during a midnight mass, a family gathering, or a quiet moment by the fire, Daniel O’Donnell’s “Once in Royal David’s City” offers a tender reminder of what the season truly means—faith, humility, and love wrapped in a lullaby.