O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Linda McKechnie 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 to Linda McKechnie's song "O Little Town of Bethlehem" poetically describe the stillness of the town as the singer beholds it. Despite the darkness that has blanketed the streets, the "everlasting light" persists and illuminates the town. The title of the song suggests a humble town that has been overlooked, but it is also clear that the town holds great significance. The hopes and fears of all the years "are met" in Bethlehem tonight.
The second half of the song focuses on the birth of Christ and how it has brought peace to the world. Even as the world sleeps, the angels sing their praises for this holy event. The arrival of Christ is both a source of hope and relief, as it signals the arrival of salvation and redemption. Throughout the song, there is a sense of quiet awe and reverence for this momentous event.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Bethlehem, a small town lies in silence
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars shine upon the town while everyone sleeps soundly
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Despite the darkness of the town, there is an eternal light shining bright
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the aspirations and apprehensions of the past years converge in Bethlehem tonight
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Mary gives birth to Jesus, and angels gather above
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
As humans sleep, angels keep watch with awe and love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The morning stars join in to proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
They sing praises to God, the king, and peace to all men on earth
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Bethlehem, a small town lies in silence
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars shine upon the town while everyone sleeps soundly
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Despite the darkness of the town, there is an eternal light shining bright
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the aspirations and apprehensions of the past years converge in Bethlehem tonight
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEROY ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind