What are the lyrics to 'Silent Night'?

When was 'Silent Night' composed?

The famous Christmas carol 'Silent Night' was composed and performed on Christmas Eve 1818 in Austria.

'Silent Night' is believed to have first been translated into English by Miss Emily Elliott in 1858, and by 1914, 'Silent Night' was so familiar that, when German soldiers sang it in the World War I trenches, their British counterparts were able to respond in kind with the English version.

It's nice to think that, maybe, for that one night, all was calm. Since then 'Silent Night' has also been sung and recorded by some of the world's most famous singers including Bing Crosby.

We named 'Silent Night' one of the greatest Christmas carols of all time

'Silent Night lyrics'

What are the English lyrics to 'Silent Night'?

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

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

Silent night, holy night!
Son of God love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth

Originally Father Joseph Mohr, wrote three more verses to the carol, but these were believed to be lost. However they were found in a vault by a retired teacher, Elisabeth Kruckenhauser, and are below
Silent night! Holy night!
Where on this day all power
of fatherly love poured forth
And like a brother lovingly embraced
Jesus the peoples of the world,
Jesus the peoples of the world.

Already long ago planned for us,
When the Lord frees from wrath
Since the beginning of ancient times
A salvation promised for the whole world.
A salvation promised for the whole world.

Silent night! Holy night!
To shepherds it was first made known
By the angel, Alleluia;
Sounding forth loudly far and near:
Jesus the Saviour is here!
Jesus the Saviour is here!

What are the German lyrics to 'Silent Night'?

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Halleluja,
Tönt es laut von fern und nah:
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Christ, der Retter ist da!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Lieb’ aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund’.
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Christ, in deiner Geburt!

Want to play ‘Silent Night’ over the festive period? Buy the sheet music below