From the 1960s to the 1980s, Diamond was one of the more successful pop music performers, scoring a number of hits. As critic William Ruhlmann writes, "as of 2001, he claimed worldwide record sales of 115 million copies, and as of 2002 he was ranked third, behind only Elton John and Barbra Streisand, on the list of the most successful adult contemporary artists in the history of the Billboard chart."[1] As of May 2005 he has sold 120 million records worldwide, including 48 million records in the U.S.[2]
Though his record sales declined somewhat after the 1980s, Diamond continues to tour successfully, and maintains a very loyal following. Diamond's songs have been recorded by a vast array of performers from many different musical genres.
Diamond was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984, and then in 2000 was given its Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the early part of 2011.
In 2008 Neil Diamond scored his first ever Billboard number one album with "Home Before Dark", the album also became his first studio album to get to number one in the UK.
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Neil Diamond Lyrics
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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
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 the holy birth
And praises sing to God the king
And peace to men on earth
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his Heaven
Oh morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the king
And peace to men on earth
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
The lyrics of Neil Diamond's "O Little Town of Bethlehem" convey a message of peace, hope, and love that emanates from the humble setting of Bethlehem. The song begins by describing the tranquility of the town, highlighting its stillness and deep slumber while the stars shine above. This imagery sets up a serene atmosphere, emphasizing the peacefulness of Bethlehem.
The second verse reveals a contrasting reality within the town's dark streets. Despite the quietness, an everlasting light shines, symbolizing the birth of Christ. It is in Bethlehem that the hopes and fears of all generations are met on this special night. The birth of Jesus brings together heaven and earth, represented by the angels watching over as mortal beings rest. The morning stars join in celebration of this holy birth, singing praises to God and offering peace to humanity.
The final stanza reflects on the profound impact of this birth. The wondrous gift of Jesus is given silently, yet it profoundly touches human hearts and bestows the blessings of heaven upon us. The song concludes by reiterating the harmonious chorus of morning stars proclaiming the birth, singing praises to God, and declaring peace upon the earth. Ultimately, the song encapsulates the significance and beauty of the birth of Christ in the little town of Bethlehem.
Line by Line Meaning
O little town of Bethlehem
Oh humble and insignificant town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
How peacefully we observe you resting
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
While you are in a profound and uninterrupted slumber
The silent stars go by
The quiet stars continue their journey
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
However, in your dimly lit streets shines
The everlasting light
The eternal light
The hopes and fears of all the years
The aspirations and apprehensions of every age
Are met in thee tonight
Are combined within you this very night
For Christ is born of Mary
Because Christ is born to Mary
And gathered all above
And all the heavenly beings have come together
While mortals sleep the angels keep
While humans sleep, the angels maintain
Their watch of wondering love
Their vigilance filled with awe and love
Oh morning stars together
Oh celestial stars united
Proclaim the holy birth
Announce the sacred arrival
And praises sing to God the king
And sing praises to God the ruler
And peace to men on earth
And bestow peace upon humanity
How silently, how silently
How quietly, how peacefully
The wondrous gift is given
The marvelous gift is bestowed
So God imparts to human hearts
Therefore, God shares with human souls
The blessings of his Heaven
The blessings from his divine realm
The hopes and fears of all the years
The aspirations and apprehensions of every age
Are met in thee tonight
Are merged within you this very night
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Lewis H Redner, Phillip Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind