Julie Andrews got her big break when her stepfather introduced her to Val Parnell, whose Moss Empires controlled prominent venues in London. Andrews made her professional solo debut at the London Hippodrome singing the difficult aria "Je Suis Titania" from Mignon as part of a musical revue called "Starlight Roof" on 22 October 1947.
Andrews gained fame at a young age in 1950s Britain by acting and singing on light entertainment radio programmes such as "Educating Archie". She rose to international prominence after starring in Broadway musicals such as My Fair Lady and Camelot, as well as musical films like Mary Poppins (1964) and The Sound of Music (1965).
Andrews had a major revival of her film career in the 2000s, in children's films such as The Princess Diaries (2001), its sequel The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004), and the Shrek animated films (2004-2007). In 2005, Andrews made her debut as a stage director with a revival of The Boy Friend, in which she also made her Broadway acting debut in 1954.
She was married with Blake Edwards in 1965 until his death in 2010.
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Julie Andrews Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 opening lines of "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" set the scene for a quiet, peaceful night. The town lies still, and even the stars move silently through the sky. Yet, despite the tranquility of the night, there is a glimmer of light in the darkness. This light represents the hope and fears of all people throughout history, and it shines down on the dark streets of Bethlehem.
The second verse of the song speaks directly to the birth of Jesus Christ. The angels watch over the scene with a sense of wonder, while the morning stars proclaim the holy birth that has taken place. It is a moment of celebration, and even the heavens themselves seem to be rejoicing. All of this combines to create a sense of peace and goodwill that is symbolized by the final line, "peace to men on earth."
Overall, "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" is a song about the power of hope and the joy that comes from the birth of Jesus. It paints a picture of a calm, peaceful night that is nevertheless full of meaning and significance. Through its imagery and simple, heartfelt lyrics, the song is able to capture the essence of the Christmas story and convey it to listeners in a way that is both moving and memorable.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Oh small town of Bethlehem, how quietly we observe thee rest
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The hushed stars glide past thee while thou remain deep in slumber
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
However, in thy dimly lit streets, radiates the light of eternity
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
The aspirations and worries of every year amalgamate in thee this night.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
As Christ is born to Mary, and draws everyone to witness His birth from above
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
As humans sleep, the angelic beings keep a watch filled with astonishment and love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The stars of morning together sing the announcement of thy sacred arrival
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
Singing hymns of praise to God, the King, and bestowing peace upon humankind on earth
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Oh small town of Bethlehem, how quietly we observe thee rest
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The hushed stars glide past thee while thou remain deep in slumber
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
However, in thy dimly lit streets, radiates the light of eternity
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
The aspirations and worries of every year amalgamate in thee this night.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Lewis H Redner, Phillip Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind