Stille Nacht
City of London Sinfonia & The King's Singers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Alles schläft einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Durch der Engel Halleluja,
Tönt es laut von fern und nah
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Lieb' aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund'.
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
The lyrics to the song "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night) by City of London Sinfonia & The King's Singers are a German translation of the original Christmas carol. The song beautifully describes the serene and holy atmosphere of the night when Jesus was born.
In the first verse, "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht" (Silent night, holy night), the stillness and peacefulness of the night are emphasized. It suggests that everything is asleep, while only the sacred couple, Mary and Joseph, are awake. The lyrics portray a picture of tranquility and solitude, focusing on the intimacy and tenderness of the holy family. The description of the infant Jesus, "Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar" (Sweet boy with curly hair), adds to the image of innocence and purity.
The second verse speaks of the shepherds receiving the news of Jesus' birth from the angels, as they sing "Hirten erst kundgemacht durch der Engel Halleluja" (Shepherds first made known by the angels' hallelujah). The lyrics convey the joyful and triumphant message brought by the angels, which echoes loudly from both near and far. The proclamation that "Christ, der Retter ist da!" (Christ, the Savior is here!) signifies the arrival of the long-awaited Savior.
The final verse celebrates the birth of Jesus by focusing on the love that emanates from His divine mouth. "Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht Lieb' aus deinem göttlichen Mund" (God's Son, oh how love shines from your divine mouth). The lyrics suggest that at the moment of Jesus' birth, the time of our salvation has arrived. The repetition of the phrase "Christ, in deiner Geburt!" (Christ, in your birth!) emphasizes the significance of this event, symbolizing hope and redemption for humanity.
Overall, these lyrics powerfully convey the serenity, joy, and love that surrounded the birth of Jesus. They paint a vivid picture of the sacred night and inspire listeners to reflect upon the profound meaning of Christmas.
Line by Line Meaning
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Quiet night, holy night,
Alles schläft einsam wacht
Everything sleeps, only one watches alone
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Only the familiar, sacred couple.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Lovely boy with curly hair,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Sleep in heavenly peace!
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Quiet night, holy night,
Hirten erst kundgemacht
First revealed to the shepherds
Durch der Engel Halleluja,
By the angels' Hallelujah,
Tönt es laut von fern und nah
It sounds loud from afar and near
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Christ, the Savior is here!
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Quiet night, holy night,
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
God's son, oh how he laughs
Lieb' aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Love from your divine mouth,
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund'.
As the saving hour strikes for us.
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Christ, in your birth!
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Christ, in your birth!
Lyrics © RAOUL BRETON EDITIONS, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TRADITIONAL, ANDREA WASSE, JASON SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind