Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem
Die Prinzen Lyrics
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Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in the dark streets shineth the everlasting light;
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Oh morning stars together, proclami the holy birth.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
For Christ is born by Mary, and gathered all above,
Oh Bethlehem du kleine Stadt,
Wie stille liegst du hier.
Du schläfst und goldne Sternelein ziehn leise über dir.
Doch in den dunklen Gassen
Das ewge Licht heut scheint.
Für alle die da traurig sind und die zuvor geweint.
Für alle die da traurig sind und die zuvor geweint.
In Die Prinzen's rendition of the classic Christmas carol, "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem", the first stanza describes the peaceful atmosphere of the town, as the silent stars shine brightly above. The second stanza reminds us of the reason for celebration, as the morning stars proclaim the holy birth of Christ. The third stanza emphasizes the significance of this event, as it brings hope and peace to all mankind. The final stanza, sung in German, reinforces the theme of the everlasting light shining in the dark streets of Bethlehem, bringing comfort to those who are sad and have previously wept.
The song "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" dates back to the mid-19th century, when it was written by Phillips Brooks, an Episcopal priest from Boston, while he was visiting the town of Bethlehem in the Holy Land. The melody is based on a traditional English folk tune, "Forest Green", which was arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1906.
Die Prinzen is a German a cappella group that formed in 1987, known for their satirical and humorous lyrics. However, in 1991 they released an album, "Wintermärchen", featuring traditional Christmas carols sung in German, including "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem".
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
The town of Bethlehem appears quiet and peaceful, yet there is something significant happening there.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Despite the town appearing undisturbed, the stars silently bear witness to a miraculous event.
Yet in the dark streets shineth the everlasting light;
Even in the darkness of the night, a light shines bright and constant, bringing hope to those who are lost and hopeless.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
This one night in Bethlehem marks the realization of the dreams and fears of centuries, as something incredible and long-awaited is happening.
Oh morning stars together, proclami the holy birth.
The stars in the sky above announce the birth of someone holy and important.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
This significant birth brings peace and is worthy of praise to the king of heaven and earth.
For Christ is born by Mary, and gathered all above,
The birth of Jesus, brought about by his mother Mary, is witnessed by all in heaven and earth.
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond'ring love.
Even as people sleep, angels keep watch over the incredible event with love and amazement.
Oh Bethlehem du kleine Stadt,
Addressing the town of Bethlehem, acknowledging its small size and seemingly insignificant nature.
Wie stille liegst du hier.
Noting the town's quiet and unremarkable appearance.
Du schläfst und goldne Sternelein ziehn leise über dir.
The town, seemingly asleep, is quietly watched over by majestic golden stars.
Doch in den dunklen Gassen
In the dark alleys and corners of the town,
Das ewge Licht heut scheint.
an eternal light shines brightly and illuminates the town on this night, giving hope to all who are struggling.
Für alle die da traurig sind und die zuvor geweint.
This light brings comfort and joy to all who were once sad and felt hopeless.
Für alle die da traurig sind und die zuvor geweint.
Repeating the line as a reminder that the light brings hope to everyone, even those who have suffered in the past.
Contributed by Annabelle P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.