Silent Night Holy Night
Bing Crosby & the Guardsmen Quartet Lyrics

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Silent night, holy night
All is calm and all is bright
'Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant, so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night

Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from Heaven afar
Heavenly Hosts sing Alleluia
Christ, the Savior, is born
Christ, the Savior, is born

Silent night, holy night
Child of heaven, oh how bright
Thou didst smile when thou wast born
Blessed be that happy morn

Full of heavenly joy
Full of heavenly joy

Overall Meaning

Bing Crosby's "Silent Night" is a timeless classic that captures the essence of Christmas Eve. The first thing that strikes you about the lyrics is its simplicity. The opening use of "Silent night, holy night" sets the stage for a peaceful, serene, and sacred atmosphere. The allusion to the Virgin Mary holding Baby Jesus in her arms, highlights the tender and soft nature of the moment.

The second verse grants us with vivid imagery. The shepherds were the first audience of this blessed moment that occurred in Bethlehem. They saw the heavens open up, and angels sang to celebrate the moment of Christ's arrival. The Shepherds were astounded by this miraculous occurrence and could hardly contain their emotions. The lyrics emphasize the joy brought into the world through the Savior's birth.

The final verse of the song showcases Baby Jesus's beauty as he lies in the manger, smiling at the world he came to save. The lyrics highlight the divine joy and happiness his birth brings to the world. Thus, Bing's interpretation captures the essence of the Holy Night and transports the listener to Bethlehem over two thousand years ago.

Line by Line Meaning

Silent night, holy night
The night is peaceful and sacred

All is calm and all is bright
Everything is tranquil and illuminated

'Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Nearby is a virgin mother and her child

Holy Infant, so tender and mild
The baby is pure and gentle

Sleep in heavenly peace
Rest in a peaceful and divine slumber

Shepherds quake at the sight
The shepherds tremble with awe

Glories stream from Heaven afar
Radiance emanates from a far-off Heaven

Heavenly Hosts sing Alleluia
Angelic beings sing joyful Hallelujahs

Christ, the Savior, is born
The Messiah, the Savior, has been born

Child of heaven, oh how bright
The baby is a divine child, shining brightly

Thou didst smile when thou wast born
You smiled when you were born