At the age of seven Hawkins was already the keyboardist to accompany the family's gospel choir. Together with Betty Watson, he was the co-founder of the Northern California State Youth Choir of the Church of God in Christ, which included almost fifty members. This ensemble recorded its first album Let Us Go into the House of the Lord at the Ephesian Church of God in Christ in Berkeley, California privately (on the Century 70 custom label), hoping to sell 500 copies. "Oh Happy Day" was just one of the eight songs on the album. (The soloists in the album were Elaine Kelly, Margarette Branch, Dorothy Combs Morrison, Tramaine Davis (Hawkins), Reuben Franklin, Donald Cashmere, Betty Watson, and Ruth Lyons.)
When radio stations of the San Francisco Bay area started playing "Oh Happy Day", it became very popular. Featuring the lead vocal of Dorothy Combs Morrison, the subsequently released single (on the newly created Pavilion label distributed by Buddah) rocketed to sales of over a million copies within two months. It crossed over to the pop charts making U.S. No. 4, UK No. 2, No. 2 on the Irish Singles Chart, and No. 1 on the German Singles Charts in 1969. It then became an international success, selling more than 7 million copies worldwide, and Hawkins was awarded his first Grammy for it. Hawkins' arrangement of the song was eventually covered by The Four Seasons on their 1970 album Half & Half.
Their second Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 charts was the 1970 Melanie single "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)," on which the label listed the performers as Melanie with The Edwin Hawkins Singers. The song peaked at No. 6 in the U.S. In the 1992 movie Leap of Faith, Hawkins is the choir master for the gospel songs.
Hawkins died on January 15, 2018, at the age of 74.
Oh Happy Day
The Edwin Hawkins Singers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
He washed my sins away (oh happy day)
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
He taught me how to watch, fight and pray, fight and pray
And live rejoicing every, everyday
Oh happy day
He taught me how
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
The Edwin Hawkins Singers' "Oh Happy Day" is a gospel song that celebrates the transformative power of Jesus' redemption. The song's first stanza repeats the phrase "Oh happy day" four times to convey the sheer joy experienced upon being cleansed of sin. The second and third stanzas explain how Jesus taught the singer to "watch, fight, and pray" and how that has led to a more joyful life. The song's culminating "Oh happy day" reminds the listener that the source of happiness is being redeemed by Jesus.
The song's simple structure belies its rich theological meaning. The first stanza's repetition of "oh happy day" reinforces the idea that being redeemed by Jesus is truly a joyous occasion. Additionally, the song's message of redemption is not just about being freed from sin, but about how it allows one to live a more active spiritual life. The singer speaks of learning to "watch, fight, and pray," indicating that redemption is a process that requires one to be constantly vigilant and engaged in one's spiritual life.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
This day is joyous and full of happiness.
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
Refers to the act of Jesus cleansing or forgiving sins.
He washed my sins away (oh happy day)
Jesus has forgiven and cleaned away all of my sins, bringing joy and happiness.
He taught me how to watch, fight and pray, fight and pray
Jesus has taught me the importance of being vigilant, resilient, and prayerful.
And live rejoicing every, everyday
By following Jesus' teachings, one can experience happiness and joy each and every day.
Oh happy day
Reiterating the joyous nature of this special day.
He taught me how
Reemphasizes that Jesus has taught the singer valuable life lessons.
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
Final repetition of the song's happy and joyous sentiment.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Edwin Hawkins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind