O little town of Bethlehem
View chords used in this chart
(verse 1)
C F C G C
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
C C/A# A Dm C/G G C
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by.
C G/B Am E Am Dm/F E
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;
C F C G C
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
(verse 2)
C F C G C
For Christ is born of Ma- ry, and gathered all above,
C C/A# A Dm C/G G C
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond'ring love.
C G/B Am E Am Dm/F E
O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth,
C F C G C
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.
(verse 3)
C F C G C
How silently, how silently the wondrous Gift is giv'n!
C C/A# A Dm C/G G C
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His Heav'n.
C G/B Am E Am Dm/F E
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
C F C G C
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.
(verse 4)
C F C G C
O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
C C/A# A Dm C/G G C
Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.
C G/B Am E Am Dm/F E
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
C F C G C
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.
How to play O little town of Bethlehem
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is C. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.