Stille Nacht
John Rutter & Clare College Singers and Orchestra 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,
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 of "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night) convey a profound sense of peace and holiness associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. The opening lines speak of a quiet night and emphasize the sacredness of the moment. "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht" beautifully captures the stillness and divine nature of this special night.
The next line, "Alles schläft einsam wacht" (All is calm, all is bright), creates a contrasting image of the world asleep while also acknowledging a vigilant presence. This presence refers to the intimate and sacred couple, Mary and Joseph, who are watching over the baby Jesus as he rests peacefully. The mention of "Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar" (Sweet child with curly hair) depicts the innocent and tender image of the baby Jesus.
The lyrics then shift to the shepherds, who were the first to receive the news of Jesus' birth. "Stille Nacht" describes the shepherds being informed by the angels, as symbolized by the words "Durch der Engel Halleluja" (Through the angels' hallelujah). The mention of the angelic proclamation being heard "Tönt es laut von fern und nah" (Resounding from afar and near) emphasizes the widespread joy and celebration that comes with the birth of Christ.
The final lines of the song proclaim the significance of Jesus' birth as the savior's arrival. "Christ, der Retter ist da" (Christ, the Savior is here) emphasizes the redemptive nature of Jesus' birth, bringing hope and salvation to humanity. The repetition of "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht" at the end of the song reinforces the tranquil and sacred atmosphere, celebrating the birth of Christ and the blessings it brings to the world.
Overall, the lyrics of "Stille Nacht" beautifully express the serene and sacred atmosphere surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. They highlight the importance of this event and the faith and hope it inspires in believers. The simple yet powerful words capture the essence of Christmas and the joyous celebration of Jesus' birth.
Line by Line Meaning
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Quiet night, holy night,
Alles schläft einsam wacht
Everything is asleep, watching alone
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Only the dear holy 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
Shepherds first made known
Durch der Engel Halleluja,
Through the angels' Hallelujah,
Tönt es laut von fern und nah
Resounds loudly from far 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 thy divine mouth,
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund'.
When the redeeming 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