for some unknown reason , the kids switched from secular carols to sacred ones after theyd turned into the unoccupied development ; and they lowered their voices from their prior shouting to offer high-pitched but melodious versions of o little town of bethlehem and away in the manger , as if the sacred songs were somehow more appropriate for these deserted environs , might better appeal to the spirits of farmers past still trapped in the torn up soil , or of families future implied in the signs hope and promise .