On a Still and Starry Night
Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.
Thomas S. Monson
About the Song
One day not nearly close enough to Christmas to be really appropriate yet, I was singing “Silver Bells” to myself when nobody was around to scold me for my unseasonable earliness. I love “Silver Bells.” But a funny thing happened as I sang these words from the introductory section:
Whatever happens, or what may be,
This is what Christmastime means to me…
I realized that the song then goes on to list some of the most trivial elements of the season… streetlights, shopping, decorated city sidewalks. Santa’s big scene. And in a fit of rebellion, I started writing down what Christmastime really does mean to me. The result is my 2014 Christmas Card Carol, “On a Still and Starry Night.”
Don’t get me wrong… I still love love love “Silver Bells.” Who wouldn’t? I just think that Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.
The SATB for this song is a key higher than the solo, and the accompaniment may be used to accompany the solo if desired. You may want to omit the introductory first page in some settings. Just follow the instructions on the score. The simple hymn setting is harmonized somewhat differently than the anthem, so the accompaniment won’t work well with it.
Sheet Music Downloads
Spotify, Soundcloud (inc. free downloads)
Click the 
to download the free track for personal use.
Recording featuring vocals by Allyse Smith Taylor:
Accompaniment track:
Apple Music, Amazon
These files may be copied/shared in any quantity in any physical format unless otherwise noted. They may not be re-sold or offered for download.
YouTube
(Video provided to YouTube by outside parties may contain ads that may be skipped after a few seconds.)
Lyrics
Falling snow; lights aglow; carols on the air;
Shining stars, open arms, laughter everywhere.
Of all the pleasures Christmas may bring
Here are the treasures that make my heart sing
There is hope in every dawning
There is purpose in our days
There is promise in our longing
And rejoicing in our praise
There is comfort for our yearning
In our darkness there is Light
Because the Father sent His Son to us
On a still and starry night
There is peace amid disquiet
For the seeking heart to find,
In confusion there is guidance
To relieve the troubled mind
There’s a sure, unerring Pilot
True and faithful by our side
Because the Father sent His Son to us
On a still and starry night
There’s a distant angel chorus
For the willing heart to hear
There are tidings sweet and joyous
To dispel our doubt and fear
There’s a Savior ever nigh us
Ever patient, ever kind
Because the Father sent His Son to us
On a still and starry night
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If you don't find your answer there, feel free to post your question here. 🙂
33 Comments
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This is lovely. Just reading the words softened my heart. My daughter loves your music and even more so because you share it so freely. She has used many songs in her choirs and spread the word about your music. Thank you for sharing with us the beautiful music God puts in your heart.
Do you have SATB singing on You Tube for “On a Still and Starry Night”?
Enjoying this song. I am the accompanist for the SSA. Would be so helpful to have those parts on a separate sheet. I try, but it’s difficult for me to read/play all three parts during rehearsal.
BTW my absolute favorite Easter composition of yours is “It Was for Me.” Amazing!
Thank you for all the beautiful music you have created and are so generous to share! Do you happen to have or know of a recording/video of an SATB choir singing “On a Still and Starry Night”? My choir really likes to practice along to recordings, but I haven’t been able to find a choral performance. Thanks.
Do you have the accompaniment track in the same key in which the choir sheet music is written? I would like my choir to sing this at an outdoor Christmas avenue.
I am Dottie Olson, I am in love with your music, I love the songs that you have written and arranged. I am a senior, I am 78 years old . I am currently taking vocal training to keep the quality of my voice clear. When I was younger I sang many solos , now I really need to work at what came natural when I was younger. I love to sing and am enjoying working at restoring the quality of my voice.
I am interested in accompaniment music that I can purchase from you.
I love the song “My Shepherd Will Supply my needs” would I be able to purchase a accompaniment track for this song?
I have a question: The SSA sheet music does not appear to be the same song. Is there another place we might find the correct version for SSA (the music and words are different in the SSA download 🙂 ?
Thanks!
The SSA omits the introductory preface… Maybe that’s the problem?
I need guitar accords. Can someone provide them?
Thanks in advance
Heinrich
This is so beautiful ❤️ . I love. It is so calm. I play it most often this time of the year! Thank you for sharing.
I enjoy this song and recording – but didn’t you have a recording by James Loynes also? If so, is it still available? Thanks!
Unfortunately, not for this one.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful song! I was looking for something a little different to sing for Christmas. When I found this I was so happy! Thank you, again, for sharing and for free!!!! What a wonderful gesture in the crazy world we live in.
I need the guitar chords for On still and starry night. Can you provide it?
Hello!
I have the pleasure of speaking about the message behind “On a Still and Starry Night” in our Sacrament meeting this coming Sunday. I just want to make sure I note the author of this song correctly in my talk. Sally, you are the author of this beautiful song, right? I love your ‘About the Song’ as well! You were spot on in writing this and giving us an alternative to all the fun and catchy Christmas songs that steer us away from the real meaning of this season. Thanks for sharing your gifts and talents with us all. If there is anything else you’d like to add about this beautiful song for me to share, feel free!
Thanks,
Andrea
Guilty as charged. I wrote the words and music to this one. There really isn’t any more story than what’s there, so you’re all set. And I still love city sidewalks dressed up for the holidays… I just love the Lord more. Good luck!
Hi Sally
Thank you for sharing your beautiful gift and music
I run a gospel choir in Melbourne called Yarra Gospel and we are about to start learning On a still and starry night.
We heard it sung by another Melbourne choir last Christmas
I’m wondering if you have a recorded version of the song in 4 parts. I like to play the piece to the choir before they start to help them capture the words and meaning
Thanks for your advice
Yvonne
Hi Sally
Thank you for sharing your beautiful gift and music
I run a gospel choir in Melbourne called Yarra Gospel and we are about to start learning On a still and starry night.
We heard it sung by another Melbourne choir last Christmas
I’m wondering if you have a recorded version of the song in 4 parts. I like to play the piece to the choir before they start to help them capture the words and meaning
Thanks for your advice
Yvonne
PS Since I wrote 3 weeks ago we have started the song, but I still can’t find an accompaniment in D. Do you have one available that I can purchase please?
Everything I have ready for public consumption is available here on the website. If it’s not here, it’s not available. The only recording I have for this selection is the solo. 🙂
Which voicing does this accompaniment track go with? (Since they’re in different keys)
This is an absolutely beautiful song! Thank you for sharing your incredible talent!
Thank you for sharing this piece. Your music is wonderful. Thank you for your kindness in making it available to all.
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing gift! My daughter sang this for our Christmas program while another played the violin accompaniment, and the spirit was so strong. This song is perfection.
Just found this! Sally, you have outdone yourself with this one. So many times I have thanked you in my heart for your beautiful music that you so freely share. Great blessing await you in the kingdoms of our Father.
Grant musical, I Need Sheet Music for my choir in Brasil – Baptist Church Ipiranga – São Paulo – Brasil
Do you have a violin part for the SSA choir?
This is really beautiful! Thank you!
Thank you Sally for this beautiful song I am singing this as a solo in my Royal Mesa YSA Ward Christmas program and as for my friends and family who couldn’t see me preform or live far away I will be doing a video with me singing this song as my Christmas gift to them .
Very moving and beautiful
Thank you so much for this song. My sacrament performance got pushed back to the Sunday after Christmas and this song is a perfect blend of Christmas and what Christmas means the rest of the year. I am so excited to put it together.
What a beautiful piece of music! I was looking for something for my Whitefish, Montana choir with violin accompaniment. This is the answer to my quest. Thanks so much! My daughter will also sing the solo in her ward in Ogden. We have an annual program for everyone that is very popular for the whole city. They will love this piece! So will my choir!
I hadn’t figured out how to start or end our Christmas “cantata.” When I came across this, it was just right. I will use the introduction and first verse at the beginning and the last two verses at the end. Thank you.
Wonderful! And just the inspiration I needed to gel up the idea for our Christmas Program!!
The “Totally Awesome Duncan Ward Choir” loves you
Thank you so much for the new Christmas Card Carol, “On a Still and Starry Night”. Just beautiful!