O Little Town Of Bethlehem
André Previn And His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
André Previn's song "O Little Town of Bethlehem" captures the serene and peaceful aura of the holy city where Christ was born. The opening line, "Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie," sets a calm and quiet tone for the rest of the song. The next line describes the silence which contributes to the holy ambience of Bethlehem, as "the silent stars go by." Yet, in the darkness of the night, Bethlehem still shines with the light of Christ, which is everlasting, and brings together the hopes and fears of all people.
The song then shifts its focus to the birth of Christ, who comes to earth through Mary. While mortals sleep, angels keep watch, filled with wonder and love at the birth of the Savior. The birth is also heralded by morning stars, who sing praises to God the King and proclaim peace on earth. The song ends with a repetition of the first verse, emphasizing the eternal value of Bethlehem, where the hopes and fears of all people are met in the light of Christ.
Overall, Previn's "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a beautiful and powerful tribute to the city where Christ was born, and reminds us of the eternal light and peace that comes with the birth of our Savior.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
It's awe-inspiring how quiet the town looks, like everyone is resting
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The sky above is serene and the stars shine bright, as if keeping a watchful eye
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Despite the darkness, there's an eternal light shining in the streets
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
People's aspirations and worries, from years ago and even now, all come to rest in this one town tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Mary has given birth to Christ, who's now surrounded by heavenly beings
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
While humans are sleeping, the angels keep a watchful eye, filled with wonder and love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The morning stars sing out loud, rejoicing the arrival of the holy birth
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
All of this, the birth of Christ and the singing, brings glory to God the king and peace to people on earth.
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
It's awe-inspiring how quiet the town looks, like everyone is resting
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The sky above is serene and the stars shine bright, as if keeping a watchful eye
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Despite the darkness, there's an eternal light shining in the streets
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
People's aspirations and worries, from years ago and even now, all come to rest in this one town tonight.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Lewis H Redner, Phillip Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Tirp1909
It's one of my all time favorites, too! It just seems to take you along on a magic winter wonderland trip. How wonderful is the mix of instruments and tempos!
@gardenwithgod
One of my all time favorite Christmas songs....it was on an album I grew up with...my Father loves Classical music....thank you so much for sharing this!
@youtubenerd1989
This is so classic. Thanks for the upload!
@LisaMurphy
Well damn, I didn't know he played the harpsichord. Andre Previn, what a guy. I Love you.
@cletopesina9925
Listening to it now!!!! October 2018......🎄⛄️❄️🎆🎵🎼🎶🎄🎆❄️⛄️🎵🎼🎶☃️☃️💗
@samsticka
Strings, an oboe and a harpsichord. That's what's on the song.
@terry1919
Andre Previn did a VERSION of RING Christmas bells and GESU BAMBINO if you have those POST THEM PLEASE!!!
@j.dachandler9541
These are very beautiful songs and many of them are on the Time Life Cd's I had in the mid 1990's by BMG. However at this point with a commercial after each song that I have to click through to get to the next one, I'm very disappointed and won't be listening to this playlist anymore. 2019
@alicechin2705
Merry Christmas 2022
@elephantgrass631
Ten thumbs down from classical music school grads that majored in harpsichord and wonder why they can't find a job.