Silent Night
The Temptations Lyrics


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Silent night, holy night
All is calm and all is bright
Round yon virgin, mother and child
Holy infant, so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace, ooh
Sleep, sleep in heaven, heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories streams from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing, alleluia
Christ the savior is born, he's born
Christ the savior is born
Round yon virgin, mother and child
Holy infant, so tender and mild




Sleep in heavenly peace, oh
Sleep in heavenly peace

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Temptations' "Silent Night" describe a peaceful and holy night where a virgin mother watches over her child, who is the holy infant, and they sleep in heavenly peace. The imagery used in the song is simple yet powerful: "all is calm and all is bright," "glories streams from heaven afar," and "heavenly hosts sing, alleluia." The song also captures the awe and reverence of the shepherds who witness this miraculous event, as they quake in the presence of such divine beauty. The closing lines of the song repeat the idea of "sleeping in heavenly peace," reinforcing the sense of comfort and security that comes with the arrival of the savior.


The lyrics of "Silent Night" were originally written in German by Joseph Mohr in 1816. The song was later translated into English by John Freeman Young in 1859. The Temptations' version of the classic Christmas carol was released in 1970 and quickly became a classic in its own right. The song is often played during the holiday season as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.


Line by Line Meaning

Silent night, holy night
The stillness of the night is made holy by the birth of Jesus.


All is calm and all is bright
The scene is peaceful and serene, illuminated by a bright, starry sky.


Round yon virgin, mother and child
Mary and her son, Jesus, are depicted together.


Holy infant, so tender and mild
The baby Jesus is pure and innocent, with a gentle and loving nature.


Sleep in heavenly peace, ooh
May the baby Jesus rest in peace and tranquility.


Sleep, sleep in heaven, heavenly peace
May the peaceful atmosphere of heaven embrace the sleeping infant Jesus.


Shepherds quake at the sight
The shepherds who witnessed this scene are filled with awe and wonder.


Glories streams from heaven afar
A magnificent light shines upon the earth from heaven, signaling the birth of Jesus.


Heavenly hosts sing, alleluia
The angels in heaven rejoice and sing in praise of Jesus's birth.


Christ the savior is born, he's born
Jesus, who will redeem mankind, is born.


Round yon virgin, mother and child
Mary and Jesus are still present, evoking a sense of humble admiration.


Holy infant, so tender and mild
Jesus remains sweet and innocent, exuding a sense of calmness and purity.


Sleep in heavenly peace, oh
May Jesus sleep soundly and peacefully, held in divine protection.


Sleep in heavenly peace
May Jesus rest in eternal peace and happiness, protected by divine love.




Lyrics ยฉ Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Franz Xaver Gruber, Joseph Mohr

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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