Still Still Still

Still Still Still

Still, still, still,

One can hear the falling snow.

Some Christmas carols are joyous and celebratory.  Others reflect the peace that is also characteristic of the season. If “Silent Night” is perhaps the most well-known of those, the closest runner up would have to be the Austrian carol “Still, Still, Still,.”

The carol is a wiegenlied or cradle song with a traditional folk song melody. The tune sets the lullaby mood with a lilting arpeggio that calls to mind a mother’s soothing whispers to her child.  The original German lyrics bring those whispers to life, translating literally as “Hush, hush, hush, for the little child wants to sleep.”

Here are the English lyrics used most commonly:

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

My best wishes to you for a peaceful holiday!

Ps. If you’d like to order the sheet music for my arrangement of this carol, you will find it at: http://harpmastery.com/still.