The three subsequently sang together, in concerts produced by Hungarian Tibor Rudas and others, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles for the 1994 World Cup finals, at the Champs de Mars, below the Eiffel Tower in Paris during France '98 and in Yokohama during the 2002 tournament. They have also played in other cities around the world, usually performing in stadiums or other large outdoor venues.
O Little Town of Bethlehem
The Three Tenors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 song "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a Christmas carol that celebrates the humble birthplace of Jesus Christ. The lyrics paint a peaceful picture of Bethlehem, as the singer observes the town lying still in darkness, beneath the silent stars. Yet, in this seemingly idyllic setting, the shining light of Jesus Christ's birth brings together the hopes and fears of all people.
The second stanza of the song acknowledges the impact of the event that took place in Bethlehem. The angels, who watch over the sleeping mortals, sing out in wonder as they witness the birth of Christ. The morning stars join in, proclaiming the holy birth and singing praises to God. The carol concludes with a repetition of the first stanza, bringing the listener back to the peaceful image of Bethlehem, where the light of Christ shines in the darkness.
Overall, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a beautiful depiction of the peacefulness and awe-inspiring qualities of the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The song is a reminder of the significance of the event that took place there, and the universal hope and fear that this event represents.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Oh small city of Bethlehem, how peaceful and quiet you are
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The quiet stars pass by as you sleep soundly
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
However, a bright light shines in your dark streets
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the hopes and fears of past and present are brought together in you tonight
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Christ is born from Mary and is now surrounded by all
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
As humans sleep, the angels keep a loving watch
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The morning stars announce the holy birth in unison
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
A song of praise is sung for the birth of the King and for peace among mankind
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Oh small city of Bethlehem, how peaceful and quiet you are
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The quiet stars pass by as you sleep soundly
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
However, a bright light shines in your dark streets
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the hopes and fears of past and present are brought together 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