Richie quit the band in 1981 for a solo career. He released his self-titled debut in 1982. The album hit No. 3 on the charts and sold over 4 million copies. His follow up album, Can't Slow Down, sold over twice as many copies and won the Grammy for Album of the Year in '84. His third album, '86's Dancing on the Ceiling spawned such hits as Say You, Say Me, Dancing on the Ceiling, and Se La, but would be the end of his commercial success.
His 90's albums such as Back to Front, Louder Than Words, and Time all failed to achieve the previous decade's commercial success. Some of his recent work, such as the album Renaissance, has returned to his older style, hoping to achieve more success.
O Come All Ye Faithful
Lionel Richie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
O come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold him
Born the King of angels
O come, let us adore him
Christ the Lord
God of God
Lo, he abhors
Not the virgin's womb
Very God
Begotten not created
O come, let us adore him
Christ the Lord
Sing, choirs of angels
Sing in exultation
Sing, all ye citizens
Of heaven above
Glory to God
In the highest
O come
Let us adore him
Christ the Lord
See how the shepards
Summoned to his cradel
Leaving their flocks
Draw nigh with lowly fear
We too will thither hend
Our joyful footsteps
O come, let us adore him
Christ the Lord
Yea, Lord, we greet thee
Born this happy morning
Jesus
To thee be glory given
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing
O come
Let us adore him
Christ the Lord
Lionel Richie's version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" is a beautiful and powerful rendition of the classic Christmas hymn. The song begins with an invitation to come to Bethlehem, to behold the King of angels who has been born. The refrain then repeats the invitation to adore Christ the Lord.
The second verse of the song goes deeper into theology, affirming the divinity of Christ as both God and Light, begotten but not created. The lyrics also speak of the virgin birth, a foundational belief in Christianity. The final lines of the verse return to the adoration of Christ, inviting listeners to join in worship.
The third verse speaks of the joy and exaltation of the angels, who sang "Glory to God in the highest" at Jesus' birth. The final verse shifts to the shepherds who visited Jesus in the manger, and how we too can follow in their footsteps to adore Christ the Lord. The final line is a tribute to Jesus, the Word of the Father made flesh.
Overall, Lionel Richie's version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" captures the majesty and wonder of the Christmas story, inviting listeners to join in awe and worship.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, come ye
Come, all of you
O come ye to Bethlehem
Come to Bethlehem
Come and behold him
And see him
Born the King of angels
He who was born is the King of angels
O come, let us adore him Christ the Lord
Let us adore him, Christ the Lord
God of God
He is God, from God
Light of light
He is light, from light
Lo, he abhors
He did not hate
Not the virgin's womb
The virgin's womb was not despised by him
Very God
He is truly God
Begotten not created
He was begotten, not created
Sing, choirs of angels
Angelic choirs, sing
Sing in exultation
Sing with great joy
Sing, all ye citizens
All citizens of heaven, sing
Of heaven above
Those above, in the heavens
Glory to God
Praise God
In the highest
Above all
See how the shepards
Look at the shepherds
Summoned to his cradel
Called to come see him in the manger
Leaving their flocks
Left their sheep
Draw nigh with lowly fear
Approaching with humble respect
We too will thither hend
We will also go there
Our joyful footsteps
With joy in our steps
Yea, Lord, we greet thee
Indeed, Lord, we greet you
Born this happy morning
Born on this joyful morning
Jesus
Jesus
To thee be glory given
May glory be given to you
Word of the Father
The Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing
Now appearing in flesh
O come
Come
Let us adore him Christ the Lord
Let us adore him, Christ the Lord
Contributed by Jason R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Patricia Reneau
I don't care what this man sings, he gives me goosebumps...
Dutch
Every time I listen to this video it brings a tear to my eyes
CeeCee Tracey
omg u and me both
Dutch
Dunno, guess it's because he has such an amazing voice which touches the hearts of those who listens to his music.
E mckinney
Outrageously amazing!
Especially for Xmas
I love this Christmas song🎄🎅🔔❄ 🎶
CeeCee Tracey
Isnt it beautiful. Make sure you start playing it TODAY! Lol
Eugene McKinney
It is very beautiful and always with very special Xmas love
thatMimosaGrove
Lionel makes me glad to be counted among the faithful.
djnoah
...not only the voice, but those complex gospel chords makes this one hit you down deep.
Jon Brou
Great! Classic Lionel Richie!