Words by Joseph Mohr Melody by Franz Gruber The carol was first performed in the Nikolaus-Kirche (Church of St. Nicholas) in Oberndorf, Austria, on December 24, Mohr had composed the words two years earlier, in 1816, but on Christmas Eve brought them to Gruber and asked him to compose a melody and guitar accompaniment for the church service.

Oberndorf, Österreich

Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht, Silent Night, Holy Night, Alles schläft, einsam wacht. All is sleeping, keeps a solitary watch Nur das traute hoch heilige Paar. Only the trusted most holy pair. Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar. Blessed babe in curly hair. Schlaf im himmlischer Ruh, Sleep in heavenly peace. Schlaf im himmlischer Ruh. Sleep in heavenly peace.

Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht, Silent Night, Holy Night, Hirten erst Kund gemacht. Shepherds first made known. Durch der Engel Hallelujah! Through the angel hallelujah. Tönt es laut von fern und nah. Echos loud from far and near. Christ, der Retter ist da. Christ, the savior is there. Christ, der Retter ist da. Christ, the savior is there.

Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht, Silent Night, Holy Night, Gottes Sohn, Oh wie lacht. God’s son, oh what joy. Lieb aus deinem göttlichen Mund. Love out of your godly mouth. Da uns schlägt die rettende Stunde. That for us tolls the saving hour Christ, in deiner Geburt. Christ, in your birth. Christ, in deiner Geburt. Christ, in your birth.