Joanna Robertson. The siblings were born in Southern California, where parents Barny and Carter Robertson (both of whom had previously toured with Waylon Jennings as members of the Waylors) filled their home with country and Christian music. Inspired by such surroundings, the three sisters began staging shows inside the Robertson household, charging a quarter for admission and providing food during intermission. They also made their major-label debut when Jennings enlisted the girls to sing on Cowboys, Sisters, Rascals & Dirt, a country album aimed at children and produced by the girls' father.
The Robertsons soon relocated to Nashville, where their house saw its share of legendary visitors, from the Jennings family (including wife Jessi Colter and son Shooter Jennings) to members of the Crickets. The sisters began honing their three-part harmonies and songwriting skills, which eventually caught the ear of country star Toby Keith. Following a well-played showcase at a Nashville club on Valentine's Day 2006, Keith signed the sisters, who christened their group "Carter's Chord" in reference to a musical triad. Now signed to the Show Dog Nashville label, Carter's Chord entered the studio to record their self-titled debut with both Keith and Barny Robertson sharing production duties. "Young Love," the album's first single, was released to country radio stations in October 2007, and the full-length record followed in 2008. ~
O Come O Come Emmanuel
Carter's Chord Lyrics
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And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the son of God appear
Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come to thee o Israel
Our spirits by thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And deathis dark shadows put to flight
Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come to thee o Israel
Oh come Desire of nations, bind
All peoples in one heart and mind;
Bid envy, strife, and sorrow cease
Fill all the world with heavenis peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Carter's Chord's song O Come O Come Emmanuel is a call for Emmanuel, which means "God is with us," to come and free the captive Israel. The song is about the Jews who were exiled and trapped in Babylon. They long for the son of God to appear and set them free. The lyrics of "O Come O Come Emmanuel" express the sadness and despair of the people of Israel as they wait in exile. The song describes their longing for redemption and the hope they find in the coming of the son of God. The song's melody and lyrics remind the Jewish people that God has not forsaken them and that their redemption will come.
The first stanza sets the stage for the entire song. The singer asks Emmanuel, God with us, to bring about the deliverance of Israel. The Israelites mourn in exile, waiting for the son of God to show up. The second stanza asks Emmanuel to come and bring cheer to the depressed and lonely people of Israel. The singer wants Emmanuel to disperse the darkness and shadows of death that engulf the exiles. In the final stanza, the singer addresses Emmanuel as the "Desire of Nations". The song culminates with a call for Emmanuel to bind all people in one heart and mind, and for there to be peace throughout the world.
Line by Line Meaning
O Come O come Emmanuel
Come, Emmanuel, who is a symbol of hope and salvation for the people of Israel
And ransom captive Israel
Redeem and set free the nation of Israel which is held captive by sin and corruption
That mourns in lonely exile here
Israel is lamenting and living in a state of hopelessness while being away from its homeland
Until the son of God appear
Israel is waiting for the arrival of the messiah, the son of God
Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel
Exult and celebrate, for Emmanuel has come
Shall come to thee o Israel
Emmanuel comes to Israel to bring salvation and redemption
O come thou dayspring, come and cheer
Come, the light of hope, perk up our spirits with your presence
Our spirits by thine advent here
Your arrival leads to the revival of our spirits
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
Remove the darkness and uncertainty that surrounds us
And deathis dark shadows put to flight
Banish the fear of death and instill a sense of hope and life
Oh come Desire of nations, bind
Come, the savior that people of all nations desire, bring everyone together
All peoples in one heart and mind;
Unify all people, breaking down barriers and differences, lead them toward a common goal
Bid envy, strife, and sorrow cease
Eliminate jealousy, conflicts, and grief
Fill all the world with heavenis peace.
Bring peace to the whole world, spread tranquility, and harmony
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Hooray! Celebrate! Emmanuel is here
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Emmanuel reaches out to Israel to fulfill his promise
Contributed by Aiden V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.