Hayley Dee Westenra (born 10 April 1987 in Christchurch, New Zealand) is a … Read Full Bio ↴Hayley Dee Westenra (born 10 April 1987 in Christchurch, New Zealand) is a New Zealand soprano of Irish heritage. Her first internationally released album, Pure, reached #1 on the UK classical charts in 2003 and has sold more than two million copies worldwide. Westenra has received awards for her contribution to music, both in New Zealand and elsewhere.

Pure is the fastest-selling international début classical album to date, and Westenra became an international star, aged 16, when the first of her international albums were released. In August 2006, Westenra joined the Irish group Celtic Woman and toured with them on their 2007 Spring Tour.

Westenra has performed for dignitaries around the world. She is the youngest UNICEF Ambassador to date and has contributed to charities around the world.

Hayley Westenra's music was featured prominently in the 2007-2008 Nintendo Wii game, Endless Ocean.

See also (references):

- Official website: www.hayleywestenra.com
- This bio: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hayley_Westenra

Benedictus
Hayley Westenra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.
Hosanna in excelsis

(translation)

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of Hayley Westenra's song "Benedictus" draw inspiration from Psalm 118:26 in the Bible. The lyrics refer to Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday when he was welcomed by crowds waving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna in the highest!" The word "Benedictus" translates to "blessed" and is used to describe the arrival of Jesus, which brought blessings and hope to those who believed in him. The repetition of "Hosanna in excelsis" emphasizes the joy and excitement of Jesus's arrival and the praise he received.

The song carries a deep spiritual meaning and encourages listeners to find hope and inspiration in Jesus's message of love and salvation. The use of a choir in the background adds to the grandeur and ceremonial tone of the lyrics. The melody and harmonies are simple yet beautiful, reflecting the purity of Hayley Westenra's voice.

Line by Line Meaning

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Praised and favored is the one who arrives in the name of the Almighty.

Hosanna in the highest
Praise and exaltation to the highest of heavens.

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: (DP) LITURGICAL, KARL WILLIAM JENKINS, THOMAS SPENCER HEWITT JONES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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