O
Tommy Eyre 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 song O Little Town of Bethlehem is a Christmas carol that celebrates the birthplace of Jesus Christ in the town of Bethlehem. The first verse describes the peacefulness and stillness of the town during the night, as the stars shine silently above. However, amidst this stillness, the second line of the verse talks about the shining of the everlasting light in the dark streets of Bethlehem. This light is a symbol of the hope and fear associated with the birth of Christ which is perceived to be a momentous event by all.
The second verse talks about the gathering of people and angels to witness the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. It celebrates the coming together of the divine and the mortal worlds on this momentous occasion. It then goes on to describe the singing of praises to the King by the morning stars, announcing the holy birth, and the declaration of peace and goodwill to mankind.
Overall, O Little Town of Bethlehem is a song that narrates the events of the birth of Christ in the town of Bethlehem, highlighting the transcendence of the divine in the mortal world and the hope and faith that this event brings to humanity.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Despite being a well-known biblical town, Bethlehem is currently a peaceful and quiet place.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars shine bright above Bethlehem, illuminating the dark streets of the town.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Although Bethlehem seems to be a dark place, it holds the never-ending light of hope and faith.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
The town of Bethlehem represents the unification of all past hopes and fears, as they all come together on this holy night.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
In this town, Jesus, the Savior of mankind is born, and he is celebrated by all the heavens above.
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
As humans sleep in unawareness, angels from above watch over the birth of the holy infant with awe and love.
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The morning stars, which usually signal the start of a new day, announce the birth of Christ, who is holy and divine.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
All creatures, both heavenly and earthly, sing praises to God, the King, and pray for peace among the people on earth.
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Bethlehem continues to remain tranquil and serene, even after the birth of Christ.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars remain bright and shining as the town of Bethlehem continues to slumber.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The town of Bethlehem represents the light of hope and renewed faith, even in the midst of darkness.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
On this holy night in Bethlehem, all the past hopes and fears of humanity come together as they await the arrival of the Messiah.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Lewis H Redner, Phillip Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind