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Oh Happy Day
Mahalia Jackson Lyrics


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Oh happy day (oh happy day)
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
He washed my sins away (oh happy day)

Oh happy day (oh happy day)
He taught me how to watch,
fight and pray fight and pray
And live rejoicing every, everyday
Oh happy day
He taught me how
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
Oh happy day (oh happy day
Oh happy day (oh happy day)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Mahalia Jackson's "Oh Happy Day" celebrate the transformative power of Jesus' redemption. The repetition of "oh happy day" emphasizes the overwhelming joy and happiness experienced when one's sins are washed away through Jesus' sacrifice. This event is described as a momentous occasion, marked by the cleansing of sins and the renewal of the soul.


The repetition of "when Jesus washed" further emphasizes the significance of this act. The act of Jesus washing away sins is seen as a pivotal moment in one's life, bringing about a sense of liberation and freedom from the burden of guilt and wrongdoing. The lyrics articulate the immense gratitude and happiness felt when one's sins are forgiven, illustrating how this act of grace brings about a profound transformation in one's life.


The second half of the song focuses on the teachings of Jesus. It highlights how Jesus taught the singer how to "watch, fight, and pray," suggesting that following Jesus' teachings brings about a sense of discipline, resilience, and strength in the face of challenges. The lyrics also allude to the idea of living a life of consistent joy and rejoicing, suggesting that the lessons learned from Jesus enable the singer to live a life filled with gratitude and happiness every day.


Overall, "Oh Happy Day" is a gospel song that celebrates the transformative power of Jesus' redemption and the joy that comes from having one's sins forgiven. It emphasizes the impact of Jesus' teachings on everyday life, encouraging listeners to live a life of devotion, resilience, and continuous rejoicing.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh happy day (oh happy day)
This is a joyful and blissful day.


Oh happy day (oh happy day)
This is a joyful and blissful day.


When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When Jesus spiritually cleansed and purified.


When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When Jesus spiritually cleansed and purified.


When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When Jesus spiritually cleansed and purified.


He washed my sins away (oh happy day)
He absolved and removed my sins.


Oh happy day (oh happy day)
This is a joyful and blissful day.


He taught me how to watch, fight and pray fight and pray
He instructed me on the importance of vigilance, perseverance, and prayer.


And live rejoicing every, everyday
And to joyfully embrace life, every single day.


Oh happy day
This is a joyful and blissful day.


He taught me how
He instructed and guided me.


Oh happy day (oh happy day)
This is a joyful and blissful day.


Oh happy day (oh happy day)
This is a joyful and blissful day.


Oh happy day (oh happy day)
This is a joyful and blissful day.




Lyrics © RAOUL BRETON EDITIONS, BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Word Collections Publishing, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Edwin Hawkins

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Diana Harris

She was the first Gospel inspiration singer that brought me to my knees. 🙏😊💕

Joselyn Jolivet

Mahalia Jackson is undeniably one of the best voices in gospel music. I love this song. Beautiful

Cornelia Carden

Amen🙌🏻 that’s what it is to be born again! Joy, gratitude! Theme song for the Jesus movement in the 60’s🕎📖✝️🕊🔥🙌🏻❤️

Linda Brown

This is not Mahalia Jackson singing, this is Dorothy Combs Morrison with Walter Hawkins. This is and will always be the best version of this song..🎶🎼🎵🎤🙏🏾 oh what a Happy and Sad Day it’s going to be for many.

Jeffrey Mayweather

Mahalia's spirit lives in this Edwin Hawkins Singers version! So let us not argue but enjoy the great performance! Plenty of happy days to all listeners!

captebbtide

Aretha may have been the Queen of Soul, but Mahalia was Queen of Gospel!

Chasity Allred

My daughter was baptized today and Mrs. Mahalia was singing this in my heart and mind the whole time!

Lesa Blessed

Ending 2019 and going into 2020 this song is Still such a blessing down memory lane in church and church choir. Much love.

Tiffany Turnipseed

Amen 🙏

monika machwirth

Yes that's true

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