O Little Town of Bethlehem
Choir and 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.
The lyrics of Choir And Marching Band's song "Little White Flowers" are actually a reference to the classic Christmas carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem." The first verse of the song talks about the quiet, serene nature of the town of Bethlehem, with the silent stars watching over it as everyone sleeps. However, despite the darkness and stillness of the town, there is a shining light present that represents the hopes and fears of everyone who has come to Bethlehem in search of something.
The second verse then shifts to focus on the birth of Christ, with the angels singing and watching over him as he is born. The morning stars sing praises for this holy birth, and all men on earth can now hope for peace thanks to this momentous occasion. The song comes back full circle in the final verse, back to the stillness and quiet of Bethlehem, but now with the knowledge that its inhabitants will be forever changed thanks to the birth of Jesus.
Overall, the lyrics of "Little White Flowers" using the familiar tune of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" create a beautiful and profound message about the miracle of Christ's birth and the everlasting hope it brings to those who believe.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
We observe you Bethlehem, the peaceful city as you lay motionless.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Amidst your sound sleep, the quiet stars pass above you, deep in your slumber.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Still, in your dark streets, the never-ending light shines upon you.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
This night is the culmination of all the hopes and fears felt throughout the years, all converging in your city.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Mary has given birth to Christ, and all the heavenly beings above are gathered in joy.
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
As we mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch and are filled with wonder and love.
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The morning stars shout out in unison, announcing the arrival of the Holy One.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
All sing songs of praise to the King, Creator of the world, and pray for peace on earth.
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
We see you Bethlehem, the peaceful city as you lay motionless.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Amidst your sound sleep, the quiet stars pass above you, deep in your slumber.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Still, in your dark streets, the never-ending light shines upon you.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
This night is the culmination of all the hopes and fears felt throughout the years, all converging in your city.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEROY ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Patricia Bretas
Forsaken, Arise My Soul Arise, This is the Day… Dan Forrest is a great composer/ arranger. Thank you for the beauty back to music in our days of ugliness! Bless you!
Samantha Shelly
This specific version has become my favorite Christmas song by far
Robin Collier
I love this arrangement.Beautiful.
Sarah Hill
Singing this tonight with our choir! I wish we had a chamber orchestra! ❤️
Lauriejeanne composer
Heard this yesterday afternoon (12/17/17) in Ilion, NY performed by The Mohawk Valley Choral Society with chamber orchestra. It literally sounded heaven sent. Thank you for sharing your gift Dan:)
glenna smiesko
Beautiful... my little church choir is singing this Christmas Eve, it is such a lovely piece, great work Dan
Leslie Colyer_Brown
My parish choir performed it this year. How absolutely lovely.
Chrissy
Oh my! This was just beautiful!
Zachary Lavender
Lovely arrangement Mr. Forrest!
Mariana Ramos
Amazing! Greetings from Portugal.