O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Robin Trower Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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.

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.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.

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.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Robin Trower's "O Little Town of Bethlehem" capture the magic and wonder of the Christmas season. The opening line, "Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie," conjures up an image of a peaceful and sleepy little town. The phrase "deep and dreamless sleep" emphasizes the stillness and tranquility that pervades the town. The second line, "Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by," adds a touch of mystery to the scene. The stars silently witness the birth of Jesus and the events that follow.


The third line, "Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light," introduces a sense of hopefulness to the song. Despite the darkness that surrounds the town, there is a glimmer of light that provides hope for the future. The last line of the stanza, "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight," encapsulates the entire message of the song. The birth of Christ represents the fulfillment of hopes and the dispelling of fears, both for those living in Bethlehem at the time and for people throughout the ages.


Overall, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a beautiful and timeless song that celebrates the joy and wonder of Christmas. It speaks to the universal themes of hope, love, and peace that resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Oh small city of Bethlehem, we see you lying peacefully


Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The quiet stars are passing above your profound and peaceful slumber


Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Yet, the eternal light shines in your dimly lit streets


The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the desires and worries of all years are gathered in you tonight.


For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Christ was born to Mary, and gathered all above


While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
While humans sleep, the angels stay alert and watch over with wonder and love


Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
Oh morning stars together, announced your sacred birth


And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
And they sing praises to God the king, and peace to men on earth.


Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Oh small city of Bethlehem, we see you lying peacefully


Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The quiet stars are passing above your profound and peaceful slumber


Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Yet, the eternal light shines in your dimly lit streets


The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the desires and worries of all years are gathered in you tonight.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Lewis H Redner, Phillip Brooks

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found