Little Town by Over The Rhine begins with the familiar words of O Little Town Of Bethlehem, and then takes a walk through some of the quieter streets.
Over The Rhine produce Christmas music that recognises that, for a variety of reasons, for some people, the hope of Christmas is quiet and reflective rather than raucous and celebratory.
In 2020 I think that describes more of us than in most years.
The lyrics:
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy dark 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 lamplit streets of Bethlehem
We walk now through the night
There is no peace in Bethlehem
There is no peace in sight
The wounds of generations
Almost too deep to heal
Scar the timeworn miracle
And make it seem surreal
The baby in the manger
Grew to a man one day
And still we try to listen now
To what he had to say
Put up your swords forever
Forgive your enemies
Love your neighbor as yourself
Let your little children come to me
First verse: Traditional. Additional Words and Music: Linford Detweiler
Lyrics © 2008 BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
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