Brubeck's style ranged from refined to bombastic, reflecting his mother's attempts at classical training and his improvisational skills. Much of his music employed unusual time signatures, a fact jokingly referred to by his greatest hits album 'Time Signatures: A Career Retrospective'. Upon his death, a number of commentators noted his crossover appeal to mainstream pop audiences, something putting him in the company of other jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong and Herbie Hancock among others.
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Dave Brubeck Lyrics
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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 Dave Brubeck's O Little Town of Bethlehem paint a vivid picture of the peaceful and quiet town of Bethlehem on the first Christmas night. The first verse describes the serene setting of the town, with the stars shining above and the stillness that surrounds it. This creates a contrast with the busy streets in which the hopes and fears of all the years are met, this alludes to the importance of Bethlehem in Christian history, where Christ was born.
The second verse highlights the miraculous nature of Christ's birth, with the angels keeping vigil over the sleeping town and announcing the holy birth to the world with songs of praise. The song emphasizes the importance of peace on earth, which is celebrated on this special night. The last verse repeats the opening imagery of the quiet town asleep as the hopes and fears of the years culminate with the birth of Christ.
Overall, the song is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the peace and hope that it brings to the world. It is a reminder of the importance of faith and the joy that comes with the true meaning of Christmas.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
The peaceful and calm state of Bethlehem is portrayed.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The town is peaceful, so much that there is no sound and even the stars pass by in silence.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Even though the streets are dark, there is everlasting light shining on the town signifying the birth of Christ.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Bethlehem is the place where all the hope and fear of people throughout history have been met with the birth of Christ.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Christ has been born to Mary and all the angels from heaven have gathered to witness this moment.
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
The angels keep a watch and wonder in amazement at the birth of Christ, even as the mortals sleep.
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The morning stars come together to announce the birth of Christ, signifying its holy nature.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
Praises are sung to God, recognizing Him as the king, and peace is offered to all mankind.
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
The calmness of the town of Bethlehem is once again highlighted.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The peace and tranquility of Bethlehem is reiterated with the mention of the silent stars passing by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The light of Christ continues to shine in the dark streets of Bethlehem.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
The birth of Christ has fulfilled all the hopes and fears of people throughout history in Bethlehem.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEROY ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind