Stille Nacht
Gruber Lyrics
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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
Hirten erst kund gemacht
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 song "Stille Nacht" or "Silent Night" in English, is one of the most beloved and popular Christmas songs of all time. It was written in 1818, in Austria by Franz Xaver Gruber, and it has been translated into more than 300 languages. The song is a lullaby that tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of the shepherds who were first alerted by the angels. The song is composed of three stanzas, each of which tells a different part of the story.
The first stanza sets the scene and describes the peaceful and still night, the only ones who are not asleep are the holy couple, Mary and Joseph. The baby Jesus nestled in the manger is described as a beautiful and peaceful boy with curly hair. The stanza is a gentle reminder of the humble beginnings of Jesus Christ's life and how he was born in a lowly and modest place.
The second stanza speaks about how the news of the birth of Christ was first announced to the shepherds by angels singing "Hallelujah." The stanza emphasizes the joy of the news, and the lyrics describe how the savior has arrived and is here to save everything. The third and final stanza speaks directly to the Lord himself. It describes Jesus as the son of God, who can bring salvation to all mankind. The stanza emphasizes the holiness of Jesus' birth and the glory that comes with it, and ends with a joyful and triumphant note.
Line by Line Meaning
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht
Quiet night, holy night
Alles schläft, einsam wacht nur das traute hochheilige Paar
All is asleep, but the dear, holy couple keeps watch all alone
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar
Lovely boy with curly hair
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh'
Sleep in heavenly peace
Hirten erst kund gemacht
The shepherds were the first to be informed
Durch der Engel Halleluja tönt es laut von fern und nah
Through the angels' hallelujah, it resounds far and wide
Christ der Retter ist da
Christ the savior is here
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht lieb aus Deinem Göttlichen Mund
God's son, oh how lovely your divine mouth smiles
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund'
Here strikes for us the saving hour
Christ in Deiner Geburt
Christ in your birth
Lyrics © editionPlus Verlags GmbH, Puma Musikverlag, Hansa Musik Verlag, Histoire et Chansons, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Edition Intro Meisel GmbH, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Franz Xaver Gruber, Joseph Mohr
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