There’s something profoundly peaceful about singing “Silent Night” during the Christmas season. The soft, serene melody of this beloved carol soothes your soul and has the power to bring a tear to your eye when you sing it. Today, we’re exploring the tranquil history of “Silent Night” along with providing the original lyrics and a printable version of both the lyrics and sheet music.
Whether you’re gathered around the fireplace with friends and family or leading a caroling group in the neighborhood, you’ll find all you need to embrace the calm of this timeless Christmas Carol.
“Silent Night” History: The Story of a Timeless Hymn
Have you ever wondered how “Silent Night” came to be a symbol of Christmas peace? Let’s travel back in time to discover the origins of this nocturnal hymn.
The beloved Christmas Carol “Silent Night”, originally titled “Stille Natche” (German), has a rich history. It was first performed on Christmas Even 1818 at St. Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. Catholic Preist, Father Joseph Mohr wrote the poem in 1816. In the winter of 1818, Joseph Mohr revisited his poem. A river had flooded Saint Nicholas parish church damaging the church’s organ.
To ensure the congregation had music for Christmas Eve, Mohr enlisted Franz Xaver Gruber, a school teacher and organist from a nearby town, to compose a musical setting for his poem for two voices accompanied by a guitar. Gruber crafted the composition in just one afternoon.
Given that the guitar was not sanctioned by the Church for official use, Mohr and Gruber premiered the song privately after the Christmas Eve mass had concluded. Mohr performed the tenor part and played the guitar, while Gruber sang bass. The congregation joined in for the chorus, marking the first performance of what would become the cherished carol “Silent Night.”
The original manuscript was lost over time, leading to confusion about its origins, but a version in Mohr’s handwriting was discovered in 1995, confirming the true creators.
The song’s message of divine peace and heavenly serenity has transcended borders, languages, and cultures, becoming a universal symbol of Christmas.
Sing Along: “Silent Night” Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
[Verse 2]
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born,
Christ, the Saviour is born!
[Verse 3]
Silent night, holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
“Silent Night” Lyrics to Print
YouTube Silent Night Instrumental
Play Along: “Silent Night” Piano Sheet Music
For all the music enthusiasts out there, here’s your chance to spread the Christmas cheer with your own rendition of “Silent Night”! Learn to play “Silent Night” on your piano with the sheet music provided below.
You can also visit ChristmasMusicSongs.com to get Silent Night Sheet Music that you can download and print for free.
The sheet music is available in a
- Beginner Version
- Simple Version
- Intermediate Version
- Advanced Version
