Roger Whittaker (born Roger Henry Brough Whittaker in Nairobi, Kenya, on 22… Read Full Bio ↴Roger Whittaker (born Roger Henry Brough Whittaker in Nairobi, Kenya, on 22 March 1936; died 13 September 2023 ) was a British singer-songwriter and musician remembered for his eclectic mix of folk music and popular song, his baritone singing voice, and his trademark whistling skills.

He became widely known for his version of "Wind Beneath My Wings" (1982), as well as his own compositions "Durham Town (The Leavin')" (1969) and "I Don't Believe in If Anymore" (1970), his 1970 hit "New World in the Morning" and his 1975 hit "The Last Farewell" (his only single to hit the US Billboard Hot 100, making it to the Top 20).

Whittakers first chart success came in 1969 when "Durham Town (The Leavin')" was his first UK Top 20 hit. In 1970 came two follow-up hits, "I Don't Believe In If Anymore" (Top 10) and "New World In The Morning" (Top 20), and 1971 brought two smaller hit singles "Why" and "Mamy Blue".

Whittaker was absent from the UK singles chart until 1975, when "The Last Farewell" went Top 3, after which it was another eleven years until "Skye Boat Song" returned him to the Top 10 of the singles chart.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Whittaker had success in Germany, with German language songs produced by Nick Munro (unable to speak German at that time, Whittaker sang the songs phonetically). In time he became more fluent in German and sang and was interviewed in German on Danish television in November 2008. Whittaker retired from touring in 2013.

Gloria
Roger Whittaker Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Heil'ge Nacht auf Engelsschwingen,
Nahst du leise dich der Welt
Und die Glocken hör' ich klingen
Und die Fenster sind erhellt.
Gloria - dir Gott in der Höhe.

Jedes Haus ist voller Segen
Und der Menschen stiller Dank,

Strömt dem Himmelskind entgegen
Und die Welt ist voll Gesang.
Gloria - Friede sei auf Erden.

Alle Himmel stehen offen
Und der Stern fällt uns hinein
Und wir dürfen wieder hoffen,

Eines Tags wird Frieden sein.
Gloria - Allen Menschen Frieden.

Overall Meaning

The song "Gloria" by Roger Whittaker is a beautiful piece that celebrates the holy night which symbolizes the birth of Jesus Christ. It highlights the peaceful ambiance of the night and how it gently approaches the world on angel's wings. The lyrics describe how the sound of ringing bells and beautifully lit windows mark the arrival of this holy night. The phrase "Gloria - dir Gott in der Höhe" means "Glory to God in the highest." The lyrics portray that every house is filled with blessings and a quiet gratitude emanates from people's hearts as they offer thanks to God. The world becomes a place of celebration and rejoicing, and everyone joins in singing the praises of the Lord. The phrase "Gloria - Friede sei auf Erden" means "Glory - peace on earth."

The song continues with the idea that during this holy night, all the heavens open up, and the star of hope shines bright, filling every heart with aspirations for peace. Despite the chaos and struggles that people go through, this night assures them through the phrase "Eines Tags wird Frieden sein" that one day peace will prevail. The beautiful phrase "Gloria - Allen Menschen Frieden" means "Glory - Peace to all people." The song "Gloria" reminds us of the significance of hope, blessings, and peace that come along with the celebration of Christmas.

Line by Line Meaning

Heil'ge Nacht auf Engelsschwingen,
The holy night comes quietly on angel wings,

Nahst du leise dich der Welt
As it approaches the world softly

Und die Glocken hör' ich klingen
I hear the bells ringing

Und die Fenster sind erhellt.
And the windows are lit up.

Gloria - dir Gott in der Höhe.
Gloria - to you God in the highest.

Jedes Haus ist voller Segen
Every house is filled with blessings

Und der Menschen stiller Dank,
And the quiet gratitude of people,

Strömt dem Himmelskind entgegen
Flows towards the child of heaven

Und die Welt ist voll Gesang.
And the world is full of song.

Gloria - Friede sei auf Erden.
Gloria - peace be upon the Earth.

Alle Himmel stehen offen
All the skies are open