Silent Night

Song Meaning of Silent Night by Bing Cosby, and who wrote it and when it was written

It hardly feels like Christmas without Silent Night, but this beloved holiday carol didn't always have the worldwide popularity it does today. It started off in a small Austrian town in 1818, with Franz Xaver Gruber setting Joseph Mohr's lyrics to music, and it quickly grew from there. Now, it's a staple at countless churches and events. In 2011, UNESCO even named it part of our world's intangible cultural heritage.

The words of the carol focus on Jesus's birth and how he is special. For example, the phrase "all is calm" is often interpreted as referring to the baby Jesus being peaceful and pure. The reference to the "Star of Bethlehem" also suggests a connection between him and God.

However, there are many other interpretations for these lyrics. It's been suggested that they may be a reflection of Mohr's ideal vision for the world, which would make sense given his time. His country had been plagued by wars and other calamities, and Mohr wanted to send a message of hope to the world.

Bing Crosby's version of the song is one of his most famous. He recorded it twice, once in 1935 and again in 1947. The first recording was made for Decca, stamped DLA 261, and the second one was a re-recording for his album Christmas Music. This is the version that most people know, including the 1944 version that was featured in the movie Meet Me in St. Louis, as well as the one he sang in his television show Merry Christmas, Bing.

Silent Night lyrics by Bing Cosby

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.

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.