Silent Night was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber with lyrics by Joseph Mohr in the small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. It was first performed on Christmas Eve at St. Nicholas Church. The creation of the song occurred almost accidentally, after discovering that the churchs organ was broken, necessitating music that could be played on the guitar.
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Silent night, Holy night, All is calm all is bright
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Round yon virgin mother and child Holy infant so tender and mild
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Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
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Silent night, Holy night, Shepherds quake at the sight
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Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Hallelujah
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Christ the Saviour is born, Christ the Saviour is born.
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Silent night, Holy night, Son of God love's pure light
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Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace