The Winans released their debut album, Introducing the Winans, in 1981, which was produced by Crouch and featured the now-classic cuts "The Question Is" and "Restoration." The 1983 follow-up, Long Time Comin', started to break the group to a wider audience, reaching the Top Ten on the gospel album charts; it also produced another staple of their repertoire in the ballad "Long Time Comin' (Holdin' On)." The title track of their third album, Tomorrow (which also made the gospel Top Ten), won the group its first Grammy for Best Soul Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group in 1985. In the wake of that success, the Winans moved over to famed producer Quincy Jones' Qwest label. Their label debut, Let My People Go, topped the gospel albums chart in 1986, and featured their first high-profile duet -- with Vanessa Bell Armstrong on "Choose Ye." Meanwhile, the title track won another Grammy, and the group received the first of three consecutive Dove Awards as Best Contemporary Gospel Group. Released in 1987, Decision was another number one hit on the gospel charts, and produced the Winans' first big crossover hit in the Anita Baker duet "Ain't No Need to Worry." The single made the Top 20 on the R&B charts and won a third straight Grammy.
Following this run as one of the most popular gospel groups in America, the Winans slowed their pace a little. Aside from the 1988 concert album Live at Carnegie Hall, the group didn't release any new music until 1990's Return. Return was another big crossover success, going gold and just missing the Top Ten on the R&B album charts. It featured a duet with Stevie Wonder on "Everyday the Same," and the Teddy Riley-produced "It's Time" was a major hit with secular audiences, reaching the R&B Top Five. Riley also worked on "A Friend," which became a fan favorite, and saxman Kenny G appeared on another single, "When You Cry." Released in 1993, All Out upped the ante for high-profile guest appearances, featuring Wayman Tisdale (on the single "Payday"), R. Kelly, Lalah Hathaway, Ricky Van Shelton, and Kenny Loggins. Despite winning a Grammy for Best Soul Gospel Album, All Out didn't sell as well with secular audiences as its immediate predecessors. Perhaps as a result, the Winans didn't court crossover success as ardently on its follow-up, 1995's Heart & Soul, which returned them to the Top Five on the gospel album charts. After Heart & Soul, the Winans took a break from performing to concentrate on individual interests and ministries. They did return in 2000 with the holiday album Christmas: Our Gifts to You. In 2002, Rhino Records released the 16-track retrospective The Very Best of the Winans, and the entire Winans family -- not just the group itself -- hit the road in support, marking the first time in a decade that all the family members had performed together.
Oh Happy Day
The Winans 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)
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 Winans's song "Oh Happy Day" celebrates the joy and liberation that comes from being saved by Jesus Christ. The repetition of the opening line, "Oh happy day," emphasizes the elation that the singer feels after having their sins washed away by Jesus. The lyrics describe the singer's newfound ability to live each day with a sense of rejoicing, thanks to the teachings of Jesus. The use of the word "taught" implies a deeper knowledge of and relationship with Jesus than simply being saved, suggests that the singer has or seeks to have an ongoing relationship with Christ.
The middle of the song is a celebratory interlude, featuring the exclamation "He taught me how!" repeated multiple times. This suggests that Jesus has not just saved the singer but also given them the tools to live a fulfilling life, including how to "watch, fight, and pray." When the chorus returns, the repetition of "oh happy day" feels even more triumphant, as the singer doubles down on their happiness and recognizes the continued presence of Jesus in their life. Overall, "Oh Happy Day" is a song of gratitude and joy, celebrating the transformative power of Jesus on an individual level.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh happy day
A moment of great joy and happiness
When Jesus washed
When Jesus purified and absolved from sins
He washed my sins away
He cleansed me of my wrongdoings
He taught me how to watch, fight and pray, fight and pray
He instructed me to be vigilant, resolute and devout
And live rejoicing every, everyday
And to live a happy and fulfilled life
Oh, happy day
Oh, what a joyous moment
Lyrics © RAOUL BRETON EDITIONS, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Edwin Hawkins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Phyllis Cooper
on Self
I need the lyrics for self by the winans
Sharon Gross
on Redeemed
God bless everyone at Easter. The Winans' said, "Tell everybody that it was not a haphazard event nor a secondary scheme but it was the plan of the Lord to redeem." " They whipped Him ALL night long....TO REDEEM; He said, "No man take my life but I laid it down"...TO REDEEM; "He was BORN of a virgin"...TO REDEEM; "JESUS took off his GLORY in Heaven"...TO REDEEM; then HE died on he CROSS...TO REDEEM (THANK YOU, JESUS); then HE ROSE...TO REDEEM. Listen to this beautiful song by the Winans, "Redeemed." It will surely bless your soul. Eternal Love and Peace