It was re-released as a single in 1996 and 2000; a re-recorded live rendition is included on her 2010 follow-up album "Merry Christmas II You". In 2019, her single was certified Gold in the US by RIAA.
O Holy Night
Mariah Carey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world, in sin and error pining
'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn
O hear the angels' voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born
O night divine
O night
O night divine
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees
O hear the angels' voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born
O night divine
O night divine (O night divine)
Ooh, yes it was (O night divine)
Yeah, that is that night of our dear Savior's birth
(O night divine) oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, yeah, yeah
(O night divine) it was a holy, holy, holy, oh, oh, oh
(O night divine) yes, it was
The iconic Christmas carol 'O Holy Night' is an adaption of a French poem called 'Minuit, chrétiens', which translates to 'Midnight, Christians'. The English lyrics of this song were penned by John Sullivan Dwight in 1855, who was a Unitarian minister, journalist and music teacher. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but Mariah Carey's version is particularly notable for her strong, emotive vocals and her trademark vocal runs.
The first verse of the song sets the scene for the birth of Jesus Christ on a peaceful, starry night. The second verse speaks of the hope and joy that the birth of Jesus brings to a world that was previously trapped in sin and darkness. The third and final verse is a call to worship, with the repeated refrain of 'O night divine' urging people to fall to their knees in reverence and awe for the miracle of Christ's birth.
The song is often sung in churches and at Christmas concerts, as well as featuring in countless TV shows and films, including the popular Christmas movie 'Home Alone'. Its powerful message of hope and celebration has made it an enduring classic of the Christmas season.
Line by Line Meaning
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining
The extremely peaceful and divine night is lit up by the shining stars.
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
This night marks the birth of the beloved and adored Savior.
Long lay the world, in sin and error pining
The world was lost and in desperation due to the burden of sin and mistakes.
'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
The arrival of the Savior brought new worth, value, and hope to the souls of people.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
The world that was tired and despairing now feels a surge of optimism and happiness.
For yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn
A bright and magnificent morning brings the prospect of a new beginning.
Fall on your knees
Out of reverence and respect, kneel in worship.
O hear the angels' voices
The ethereal and divine voices of the angels are heard.
O night divine
This was an extraordinary and heavenly night.
O night when Christ was born
The night that marked the birth of Christ.
O night divine
This was an extraordinary and heavenly night.
O night
This was a night worthy of celebration and praise.
O night divine
This was an extraordinary and heavenly night.
Ooh, yes it was (O night divine)
Indeed, it was an extraordinary and heavenly night.
Yeah, that is that night of our dear Savior's birth
Yes, that was the historic and momentous night on which our beloved Savior was born.
(O night divine) oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, yeah, yeah
This extraordinary and heavenly night was a momentous occasion, a cause for excitement and celebration.
(O night divine) it was a holy, holy, holy, oh, oh, oh
This was one of the holiest and most divine nights ever.
(O night divine) yes, it was
There is no doubt that this was an extraordinary and heavenly night.
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Walter Afanasieff, Mariah Carey, Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@diegodeleon5787
I’m not a Christian, but this song makes me emotional. Just so powerful
@cartergarrett5905
God is good and speaking to you
@devonhenderson5417
You don’t have to be Christian to be connected to god.
@cartergarrett5905
@@devonhenderson5417You were created by The One And Only , God Our Creator. To be connected to God The Father, Jesus Christ Is The Way To God, period. St. John 14th chapter. Study that chapter, John 14th chapter. Jesus Is The Word of God.
@cartergarrett5905
@@devonhenderson5417 God Is Spirit. We Must Worship God in spirit and truth. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No man comes unto The Father but by me. ( John 14:6)
@cartergarrett5905
The Holy Spirit, God is getting your attention.
@diegosales5129
The best rendition of this song, ever. ❤
@wardellcheeks3620
Josh crobon
@Daydream30583
@@MariahCareysp0t I even got a channel of some remasters I did on your songs but that Christmas I will never forget 8 years crying hugging my dog at the time then straight away went to the dictionary translating the song to realize why Shivers went down my spine YOUR VOICE LIKE A THUNDER STRUCK MY HEART WITH THIS!! I remember I drove my neighbors bats blasting All I want for Christmas still NO CHRISTMAS ALBUM HAS TOPPED IT QUEEN OF CHRISTMAS
@cartergarrett5905
I've been saying this years. In totally agreement with you.