“Silent Night” is one of the most famous Christmas carols not only in Germany, but all over the world. The song was first performed in 1818 in a church in Oberndorf, near Salzburg, Austria, and has since been translated into more than 320 languages and dialects!
The creation of the song is attributed to the priest Joseph Mohr, who wrote the lyrics. He asked the composer Franz Xaver Gruber to write a melody for it. The first performance took place in St Nicholas Church, where Mohr accompanied the song on the guitar and Gruber played the organ.
The simple beauty of “Silent Night” quickly found favor and spread rapidly. First sung in Austria, it then crossed borders, with the Rainer family playing a major role in its popularization. They travelled as singers to different countries, performing in parks, theaters and inns, where they also sang “Silent Night”. Traveling Austrian merchant families also sang the carol to attract customers to their stalls.
The song’s timeless message of peace and tranquillity made it a central element of Christmas celebrations. It is a song that is still an essential part of any Christmas celebration.
Chords and Lyrics for Silent Night in Key of G
The song “Silent Night” is quite easy to play on an instrument. You only need 4 basic chords, which many beginners already know and which can also be found in other Christmas carols. It is often played in the key of G major or C major. We play it in the key of G major because it is the most popular key and it is easier for most people to sing. So you will need the chords G, D, C and Em for the song.
GSilent night! Holy night!
DAll is calm, Gall is bright
Cround yon virgin Gmother and child!
CHoly infant, so Ctender and mild,
Dsleep in heavenly Gpeace! Em
GSleep in Dheavenly Gpeace!
2. Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar,
heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Saviour is born!
Christ the Saviour is born!
3. Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
radiant beams from thy holy face
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth!
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth!
Sheet Music for Silent Night in Key of G
If you understand the basic of music theory and you can read music, then playing from sheet music is perfect for you. The Silent Night sheet music is also great for students who are just learning to read music, as it contains many basic elements.
You can also download the sheet music with the chords free of charge as a PDF to print out and use in class or at home for practising.
Learn another easy nursery rhyme:
ABC Song
Baa Baa Black Sheep
Brother John
Happy Birthday
Humpty Dumpty
Itsy Bitsy Spider
Jingle Bells
Mary had a little Lamb
O Christmas Tree
Old MacDonald had a Farm
Row row row your Boat
Silent Night
Twinkle twinkle little Star
Wheels on the Bus
Yankee Doodle