Still, Still, Still

The Christmas carol “Still, Still, Still’ is an Austrian folk-song. It is a tender and poetic lullaby written for the newborn Christ child.  The melody is a traditional folk tune from the Austrian state of Salzburg. 

The carol appeared for the first time in 1865 in a folksong collection by the founder of the Salzburg Museum. The title of the carol is Weihnachtslied which means Christmas carol in German. The words, written by an anonymous author, describe the peacefulness of the infant Jesus and his mother as the baby is sung to sleep.  The modern standard German version is credited to Georg Götsch (1895-1956).

Here are the lyrics of an English version of this carol.

Still, still, still

One can hear the falling snow

For all is hushed

The world is sleeping

Holy star, its vigil keeping

Still, still, still

One can hear the falling snow.

Sleep, sleep, sleep

‘Tis the eve of our Saviour’s birth

The night is peaceful all around You

Close Your eyes

Let sleep surround You

Sleep, sleep, sleep

‘Tis the eve of our Saviour’s birth.

Dream, dream, dream

Of the joyous day to come

While guardian angels without number

Watch You as You sweetly slumber

Dream, dream, dream

Of the joyous day to come.

As you can see this lullaby tells how peaceful the baby and his mother are as the infant Jesus is sung to sleep. 

This was one of the handbell pieces we played at McKillop United Church on Sunday. Here is part of an email from our director after the service.  

“Thanks for a good job on Sunday morning! I had many glowing comments from listeners, so I'm happy with our result.  A couple members of Bridge Brass told me how much they enjoyed our pieces, and how much they feel we've improved since the last time they had heard us.  So be proud of your hard work, and be satisfied with our contribution to a morning of music.”

Have a great day everyone.  Stay warm and enjoy this Christmas season.

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