O' Little Town of Bethlehem -
frank sinatra | bing crosby 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 lyrics to Frank Sinatra's song O Little Town of Bethlehem/Joy to the World/White Christmas speak of the town of Bethlehem, where according to Christian belief, Jesus Christ was born. The first verse describes the stillness and peacefulness of the town, with the silent stars shining above. However, despite the peaceful exterior, the verse speaks of the hopes and fears of all the years that are met in Bethlehem tonight. This is a reference to the anticipation and expectation of the birth of the Messiah, which is believed to have been fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ.
The second verse speaks directly of the birth of Jesus, with the proclamation that He was born of Mary. The angels are said to be watching over Him as mortals sleep. The verse ends with the proclamation of the holy birth and the singing of praises to God the King, with a wish for peace on earth.
The final verse repeats the first, again extolling the peacefulness of Bethlehem while acknowledging the hopes and fears that are met there. This is a reminder that this little town, though small and unassuming, represents a turning point in history, with the birth of Jesus Christ bringing hope and redemption to humanity.
Overall, the song is a beautiful reflection on the birth of Christ and the significance of the town of Bethlehem in Christian belief.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
The humble town of Bethlehem, so peaceful and calm at night
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
As the town peacefully sleeps, the stars continue their unwavering march through the sky
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
But even in the darkness, there is a light that shines eternally in Bethlehem
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the hopes and fears of people throughout history converge in Bethlehem tonight
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Mary has given birth to the Christ child, who is now surrounded by angels above
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
As people sleep, angels keep a watchful eye over the newborn in amazement and love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The stars in the sky sing out together to announce the birth of this holy child
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
They sing praises to God, the king of all, and bring peace to all who live on earth
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
The humble town of Bethlehem, so peaceful and calm at night
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
As the town peacefully sleeps, the stars continue their unwavering march through the sky
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
But even in the darkness, there is a light that shines eternally in Bethlehem
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the hopes and fears of people throughout history converge in Bethlehem tonight
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEROY ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind