Oh Happy Day
BB King and Etta James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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)
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)
The lyrics to BB King and Etta James's song "Oh Happy Day" express the joy and jubilation that comes with the forgiveness and cleansing of sins through Jesus Christ. The repetition of "oh happy day" emphasizes the overwhelming happiness that the singer feels. The repetition of "when Jesus washed" emphasizes the importance of this event in the singer's life. The washing away of sins represents a new beginning, a fresh start, and a clean slate. The line "he taught me how to watch, fight and pray" suggests that Jesus not only forgives sins but also teaches his followers how to live a righteous and fulfilling life. The last line "live rejoicing every, everyday" emphasizes the constant state of joy and contentment that comes with a life lived in Christ.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
Celebrating the joyous moment of discovering faith in Jesus
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
Repeating the phrase to emphasize the ecstatic feeling of finding happiness through religion
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
Referring to the baptismal ceremony, which symbolizes the washing of sins and rebirth
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
Repeating for emphasis the process of being cleansed of sins through faith
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
Continuing to describe the cleansing process of redemption
He washed my sins away (oh happy day)
Expressing gratitude for the forgiveness of sins through Jesus
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
Once again expressing the overwhelming happiness of finding salvation
He taught me how to watch, fight and pray, fight and pray
Explaining that discovering faith has taught the artist how to live their life with mindfulness, courage, and devotion
And live rejoicing every, everyday
Stating that faith has brought joy to everyday life
Oh happy day
Final exclamation of happiness and gratitude for the salvation found in Jesus
Lyrics © RAOUL BRETON EDITIONS, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Edwin Hawkins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind