Silent Night
The Drifters & Bill Pinkney Lyrics
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'Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in Heavenly peace
Sleep in Heavenly peace
Silent Night, Holy night, shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from Heaven a farHeavenly hosts sing Alleluia
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born
Silent Night, Holy night, Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
The lyrics to The Drifters & Bill Pinkney's song "Silent Night" are a beautiful and evocative retelling of the Christmas story. The first verse sets the scene of a peaceful night, with the Virgin Mary watching over her infant son. The soft, gentle tone of the vocals emphasizes the tender nature of the moment, with "all is calm," and "all is bright" creating a sense of serenity and stillness.
The second verse brings a sense of awe and wonder to the story, with the shepherds in the fields trembling at the sight of the angels announcing the birth of Christ. The use of the phrase "glories stream from Heaven a far" creates an image of something magnificent and otherworldly, and the Alleluia of the heavenly hosts is a joyous and triumphant moment.
The third and final verse brings the story back to the central figure of Christ, with the lyrics reminding us that he is the Son of God and the embodiment of love's pure light. The image of radiant beams from his holy face is a powerful one, and the dawn of redeeming grace is a reminder of the hope and promise that his birth brings to the world.
Overall, the lyrics of "Silent Night" are a beautiful and moving tribute to the Christmas story, combining gentle and peaceful moments with moments of awe and wonder, all centered around the figure of Christ.
Line by Line Meaning
Silent Night, Holy night, all is calm, all is bright
The night is peaceful and serene in observance of the Holy nativity. Everything is tranquil and illuminated.
'Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
The Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus are at the center of attention.
Holy Infant so tender and mild
The baby Jesus is fragile and gentle.
Sleep in Heavenly peace
May the baby Jesus sleep soundly and comfortably in the loving care of God.
Silent Night, Holy night, shepherds quake at the sight
The shepherds are awe-struck and overwhelmed by the amazing scene before them.
Glories stream from Heaven a far
The heavenly glory and majesty of God is radiating from above.
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia
The angels sing praises of joy and adoration for the birth of Christ.
Christ the Savior is born
The messiah, who will save humanity from sin, has finally arrived.
Silent Night, Holy night, Son of God, love's pure light
The baby Jesus, as the Son of God, shines with the pure light of love.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
The face of Jesus shines with a brilliant holy light.
With the dawn of redeeming grace
With the arrival of Jesus, humanity is granted the gift of salvation and redemption.
Sleep in heavenly peace
May the baby Jesus sleep soundly and comfortably in the loving care of God.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANDREW O'CALLAGHAN, FRANZ XAVER GRUBER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind