For the recordings of "Year of the Cat" Al put a classic Spanish guitar into Peter's hands and asked him to play on it for one song of the forthcoming album. That part became the opening of the well-known "On The Border". It were those recording sessions when Peter also worked with producer Alan Parsons of The Alan Parsons Project.
In 1978 he followed Al Stewart and moved to Los Angeles, CA. Around this time Peter's younger brother Danny felt the inspiration to form his own group, which would become Matt Bianco ("Bianco" is Italian for "White"). Temporarily the Al Stewart backing band was renamed to Shot in the Dark, which consisted basically of the crew (among them bass player Robin Lamble) which played on Al Stewart's 1980 and 1981 albums. Shot in the Dark alone only released one album in 1981; they disbanded when their record label closed down.
In the following years Peter became more and more involved in the L.A. music scene and played with the likes of Johnny Rivers (the "Secret Agent Man"), Bernie Leadon (after he left the Eagles), Susanna Hoffs (after she left The Bangles), Tori Amos (before she got famous), and Janis Ian ("At Seventeen"). Through this connection with Matt Bianco, Peter would contribute his guitar playing on albums of the band as well as later on with their lead singer Basia, also joining her on tours. In the late 80s he would discover that one of his neighbors, a man named Skipper Wise, was also a musician. Peter agreed to join him and his band Windows occasionally, playing guitar and keyboards on some of their records. When Skipper decided in 1988 to record a solo album (The Clock & The Moon) Peter agreed to support him, but asked for the same favor in return when it would come to his first solo album. Only one year later, in 1989, Peter White's first solo effort, Reveillez-Vous, was recorded and published, co-produced by Skipper Wise. A second release, Excusez-Moi, was finished in a similar fashion in 1992. Peter White became a leading smooth jazz musician and joined the "Guitars & Saxes" tour together with jazz musicians such as Richard Elliot, Warren Hill and Craig Chaquico.
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Peter White 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 of Peter White's song, "O Little Town of Bethlehem," paint a serene picture of the town that is known for being the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The opening line, "Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie" sets a peaceful mood, describing the town's stillness and tranquility during the night. Despite being dark and quiet, the town is not devoid of light, as "the everlasting light" shines in its "dark streets." This light symbolizes hope and faith, and the line "the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight" suggests that Bethlehem has always been a magnet for people's deepest desires and fears, especially on the night of Jesus' birth.
The second verse acknowledges the divine nature of Jesus' birth, describing how angels kept watch over the baby and morning stars sang of his holy birth. The lyrics capture the profound impact of Jesus' arrival, as "peace to men on earth" is proclaimed. The repetition of the first verse at the end brings the song full circle, reinforcing the idea that Bethlehem holds a special place in the hearts of those who seek spiritual truth and enlightenment. Overall, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a beautifully written ode to the birthplace of Jesus Christ, highlighting the town's significance and relevance throughout history.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
We observe you in tranquility, oh small town of Bethlehem
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Stars watch over you in a profound and peaceful slumber
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
However, in your dimly lit paths, the undying light still shines
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the optimism and trepidation through past ages find a common platform in you, tonight
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Christ is born out of Mary and brings together a congregation of celestial beings
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
As we, mere mortals, sleep, angels watch over us in sheer amazement and love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The morning stars sing praises in celebration of your sacred birth
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
We sing hymns to God, the ruler, and pray for peace to mankind on earth.
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
We observe you in tranquility, oh small town of Bethlehem
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Stars watch over you in a profound and peaceful slumber
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
However, in your dimly lit paths, the undying light still shines
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the optimism and trepidation through past ages find a common platform in you, tonight
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Lewis H Redner, Phillip Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind