Farrell was born in Willimantic, Connecticut, but she moved at an early age to Woonsocket, Rhode Island, which she always publicly and affectionately called her home town.
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Eileen Farrell 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 Eileen Farrell's "O Little Town of Bethlehem" paint a vivid picture of the peaceful and serene town of Bethlehem on the night of Christ's birth. The opening lines of the song describe the stillness that surrounded the town as the stars silently shone above. However, despite the stillness, there was a shining light that emanated from the dark streets of Bethlehem. This light, according to the lyrics, symbolizes the everlasting hope and love that Christ represents.
The following verse shifts focus from the town to the miraculous birth that occurred there. Mary is mentioned as the mother of Christ, alongside the angels that watched over and celebrated the birth. Continuing to evoke the image of the stars that shone brightly above Bethlehem, the lyrics describe the "morning stars" that proclaimed Christ's holy birth. The song concludes with a message of peace for all mankind, with praise given to God above.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
We observe Bethlehem as a quiet, peaceful place
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars in the sky watch over the town as it sleeps soundly
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Although the streets are dark, there is a bright and eternal light coming from within Bethlehem
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Bethlehem represents the culmination of all the emotions felt by people throughout the years, from hopes to fears, and tonight they all meet in this town
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Christ, the son of Mary, is born and all the angels gather above
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
As people sleep, the angels keep watch with a sense of curiosity and love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The morning stars come together to announce the sacred birth that takes place in Bethlehem
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
Praise is sung to God, the king, and peace is bestowed upon mankind on earth
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEROY ANDERSON
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