The Night Before Christmas
Amy Grant Lyrics


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Children carry through the streets
A brightly painted star
Angels gather round the hearth
Strumming on guitars
Men of great renown and faith
Say prayers on boulevards
It's the night before Christmas
But you don't have to be an angel
To sing harmony
You don't have to be a child
To love the mystery (mystery)
And you don't have to be a wise man
On bended knee
The heart of this Christmas is in you and me

(The night before Christmas)
(The night before Christmas)

If your heart's been longing
You've been afraid to try
Sorrow's kept you company
And the dance has passed by
I'll lift you up and blaze with you
Across the moonlit sky
On the night before Christmas

'Cause you don't have to be an angel
To sing harmony
You don't have to be a child
To love the mystery (mystery)
And you don't have to be a wise man
On bended knee
The heart of this Christmas is in you and me

The heart of this Christmas is in you and me
(The night before Christmas)
(The night) the night before Christmas
(The night) the night before Christmas
(The night) the night before Christmas
(The night before Christmas)
(The night) the night before Christmas
(The night before Christmas)




(The night) the night before Christmas
(The night) la, la, la, la

Overall Meaning

The song "The Night Before Christmas" by Amy Grant is a reflective piece on the essence of the Christmas spirit. The first stanza describes a scene of children carrying a brightly painted star through the streets, angels playing guitar by the hearth, and men of faith praying on boulevards. These details create an image of a community that is coming together to celebrate the holiday. The second stanza acknowledges that anyone can participate in the joy of the season, regardless of age or status. Amy sings that "you don't have to be an angel to sing harmony" and "the heart of this Christmas is in you and me". The song encourages listeners who are feeling isolated or fearful to open their hearts and let the Christmas spirit guide them.


Overall, "The Night Before Christmas" is a song that celebrates inclusion and togetherness during the holiday season. The verses paint a picture of people from all walks of life coming together to celebrate the holiday. The chorus reminds us that we don't need anything special to be a part of that community; we just need to open our hearts and let the joy in.


Line by Line Meaning

Children carry through the streets A brightly painted star
Children walk the streets carrying a brightly painted star, symbolizing the special light that shines on Christmas.


Angels gather round the hearth Strumming on guitars
Angels come together around the fire, playing instruments, as they celebrate the night before Christmas.


Men of great renown and faith Say prayers on boulevards
Men who are well known and faithful say their prayers out in the open, on the streets, as they look forward to the birth of Jesus.


It's the night before Christmas
The night before Christmas has finally arrived.


But you don't have to be an angel To sing harmony
Anyone can sing in harmony without having to be an angel or someone with a divine voice.


You don't have to be a child To love the mystery (mystery)
One doesn't have to be a child to appreciate the mystical and enchanting nature of Christmas.


And you don't have to be a wise man On bended knee
One doesn't have to be one of the three wise men, bowing on their knees, to recognize the true meaning of Christmas.


The heart of this Christmas is in you and me
The true essence and spirit of Christmas stem from the feelings and actions of everyone around the world.


If your heart's been longing You've been afraid to try Sorrow's kept you company And the dance has passed by I'll lift you up and blaze with you Across the moonlit sky On the night before Christmas
If you have been feeling anxious or down and missed out on the occasions to celebrate during the year, Amy offers to carry you along, and together, you can dance joyously under the moonlight on the night before Christmas.


(The night) the night before Christmas (The night) the night before Christmas (The night) the night before Christmas (The night before Christmas)
The song emphasizes that it is the night before Christmas and repeats to instill that the novel atmosphere of this very night is unique and special.


(The night) the night before Christmas (The night before Christmas) (The night) the night before Christmas (The night before Christmas) (The night) la, la, la, la
The lyrics highlight and acknowledge how exceptional and extraordinary the night prior to Christmas is, with its own rhythm and melody, nonpareil to the other nights.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CARLY SIMON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

WiseAssGamer

Oh man, this song always gets me. Somehow I remember December 1995. I was 18 years old, just kinda sitting around contemplating things. There's a massive snowstorm outside, school was canceled. And Mom is downstairs playing this song in the living room, and it was loud. The song just went with the snow perfectly. It was just beautiful. 😁

Shirley Schutt

Beautiful as always ❤️. Thank you Amy Grant for another great song.

Text me on telegram:Amy grant official

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Lyrical Alchemist

Even better than Carly Simon's original version. Amy unwraps this holiday gem with absolute perfection and offers it to all of us with the same effortless charm with which she does everything. Thank you Amy for all the Wonder and Love, and for being a perenniel voice of the Christmas season. Blessings to you and to everyone.

Jay Fannin

Home For Christmas has been my favorite holiday album since its release. Can't believe it was 30 years ago.

The Canadian Boarder

Play this album every Christmas...love it

Jean Hall

I hadn't heard this one before, but it is beautiful. Thank you!

Text me on telegram:Amy grant official

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Calogero Fanara

I can't recall how many times I played this song, and the whole album back in 1992, and ever since.

Everyday Soldier

Absolutely Beautiful!

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