Grant made her debut in 1977 under the guidance of Myrrh Records, and became the first Christian recording act to have an album be certified platinum. Following her marriage to Gary Chapman in 1982 and a subsequent deal between her record company and A&M Records, a series of successful pop-crossover records consolidated her position as both Christian music's highest-selling act and a formidable force in mainstream music, and according to Billboard magazine she was the most successful Christian recording artist of the 1980s and 1990s.
After giving birth to her fourth child Corinna Grant Gill, Grant returned to her gospel music roots with the 2002 release of Legacy...Hymns & Faith. The album featured a Vince Gill-influenced mix of bluegrass and gospel and marked Grant's 25th anniversary in the music industry. Grant followed this up with the pop release Simple Things in 2003. The album did not see the success of her previous pop efforts, and soon after the album, Amy and Interscope/A&M parted ways.
Grant released a sequel to her hymns collection in 2005 titled Rock of Ages... Hymns & Faith. Despite publicly musing that life would be easier if she weren't working, Grant joined the reality television phenomenon by hosting Three Wishes, a show in which she and a team of helpers make wishes come true for small-town residents. The show debuted on NBC in the fall of 2005, but was cancelled in November after 10 episodes. After Three Wishes was cancelled, Grant won her 6th Grammy Award for Rock of Ages.
In a February, 2006 webchat, Amy stated she believes her "best music is still ahead".
Amy Grant recorded a live cd/dvd album in early 2006 and it was released later in the year.
To date Amy Grant has sold more than 25 million records worldwide and is a 6 time Grammy winning artist.
Little Town
Amy Grant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given
So God imparts to human hearts
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Immanuel But in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive Him still
The dear Christ enters in.
Amy Grant's rendition of the traditional hymn, "O Little Town of Bethlehem," is a beautiful and moving portrayal of the birthplace of Jesus. The hymn begins by painting a picture of Bethlehem, with its dark streets and silent stars. The town seems to be in a deep and dreamless slumber, but there is a glimmer of hope and light that shines through. The hymn goes on to speak about the everlasting light that illuminates Bethlehem, and how this light is the embodiment of the hopes and fears of all the years. This light, the light of Christ, is what brings salvation to the world.
The second verse of the hymn speaks about the wondrous gift that God has given to humanity. This gift is not just any ordinary gift, but the gift of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, we are able to connect with God and receive the divine message of hope and salvation. The hymn mentions the Christmas angels who bring the great glad tidings of Jesus' birth to the world. The final lines of the hymn call upon Jesus, asking him to come and abide with us, to be our Lord Immanuel. The hymn then reminds us that despite the sin and darkness in the world, Christ will enter into the hearts of all those who will receive him.
Line by Line Meaning
O little town of Bethlehem
Addressing the small town Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
How quiet and peaceful you appear
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
While you rest, unaware of what's going on outside
The silent stars go by
The stars keep moving without making any noise
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
In spite of the darkness outside
The everlasting light
An eternal, guiding light is shining
The hopes and fears of all the years
All the people's expectations and anxieties spanning over years
Are met in thee tonight
Are fulfilled tonight in this town
How silently, how silently
Quietly and unobtrusively
The wondrous gift is given
A marvelous gift is presented to humanity
So God imparts to human hearts
God bestows in humans an important message
We hear the Christmas angels
We listen to the angels singing during Christmas
The great glad tidings tell
They speak of great news to come
O come to us, abide with us
Come visit and stay with us
Our Lord Immanuel
The Lord Christ, who is God with us
But in this world of sin
Still, in this sinful and corrupt world
Where meek souls will receive Him still
Those who are gentle and humble will continue to accept Him
The dear Christ enters in.
The beloved Christ comes in.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: CHRIS EATON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SelwynDeSouza-sx4wv
This is a gem & an absolute beauty, my favorite & all time greats not only of Amy's carols but of all Xmas carols. Christmas is incomplete without this song. Long Live Amy & Christmss
@DXNNYGR3
Dawg I’ve been looking for this song forever
@user-re1gs9rl5i
My favorite version of this song!
@DXNNYGR3
Now I can finally rest 😁😁
@calebgrundyson2688
There will never be a better Christmas album
@ismaelcardoso5679
Beautiful
@joelsterling3735
This hits so hard. Favorite Amy song!
@jaynah1685
I have always loved this song (from my favorite Christmas album of all time). Glad you posted this. Digital access to music is amazing, but I do so miss the days of cassettes bc I loved, loved, loved the way the cassette transitioned seamlessly from "Emmanuel" to "Little Town" to "Christmas Hymn"!
@SuperFlashDriver
Totally agree.
@bradnorton8487
I remember that too! And, I also agree!!