The Wilson sisters and Phillips were friends from childhood, growing up in southern California in the 1970's and 1980's. The three shared a love of music and songwriting, and developed their own style of vocal harmonies. In 1989, producer Glen Ballard and SBK Records signed the trio to a record deal.
Wilson Phillips released their debut album Wilson Phillips in 1990. They shot to fame with their debut single, the # 1 hit "Hold On". The album was a hit, producing three number one singles and selling 10 million copies worldwide.
They released their follow-up album Shadows and Light in 1992. It was much less successful, producing no top ten singles and selling one million copies. Shortly after, the group decided to split up.
During the next decade, the group went their separate ways. Chynna Phillips released a solo album, "Naked and Sacred" in 1995, while the Wilson sisters released a Christmas album in 1993 and an album "The Wilsons" in 1997. Carnie also went on to host her own television talk show, while Phillips married actor William Baldwin. A "Greatest Hits" album was released in 2000, although the group did not officially reunite for this release. Carnie made headlines in 1999 when she underwent gastric bypass surgery live on the internet and lost over 20 dress sizes.
Wilson Phillips reunited in 2004 to release California, an album of cover songs. A single, 'Go Your Own Way,' a remake of the original by Fleetwood Mac, peaked at #13 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The album debuted at #35 on the charts with 31,000 copies sold but due to the lack of promotion the album has yet to reach sales of 100,000 copies. In New Zealand the album was a surprise hit, reaching the top 10 and amassing gold sales following 'Go Your Own Way' topping the adult contemporary radio chart for several weeks.
Silent Night
Wilson Phillips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Holy night
All is calm
All is bright
Round yon virgin
Mother and child
Holy infant so
Tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night
Holy night
Son of god
Loves pure light
Radient beams from thy
Holy face
With the dawn of
Redeeming grace
Jesus lord at thy birth
Jesus lord at thy birth
Silent night
Holy night
Silent night
Holy night
All is calm
All is bright
Round yon virgin
Mother and child
Holy infant so
Tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Wilson Phillips's version of "Silent Night" is a cover of the classic Christmas carol first composed in 1818 by Franz Gruber. The lyrics paint a picture of the night of Jesus Christ's birth, with the virgin Mary and her child surrounded by peaceful serenity. The song exalts this special moment with the child, emphasizing the holiness of the experience. The gentle and soothing melody of the ballad adds an additional layer of tranquility to the overall mood of the song.
The opening lines of the first stanza set the stage for a serene scene, with the night perfectly calm and bright. The representation of the love between mother and child is clear, as they are the center of attention in the lyrics. The infant in Mary's arms is portrayed as vulnerable and tender, a perfect representation of the humility of the Christ child's birth. The second stanza shifts to a focus on the divine nature of the child, the son of God, who is the redeeming grace of the world. The radiance of Christ's face illuminates the night, a prophetic representation of the impact he will have on the world. Mary and Joseph look adoringly at their child, Jesus, who has come to bring salvation to the world. The third stanza is a repetition of the first, once again, emphasizing the tranquility of the scene and the peace brought upon by the birth of the savior.
Line by Line Meaning
Silent night
The night is peaceful and without noise
Holy night
It is a night of spiritual or religious significance
All is calm
There is tranquility and stillness
All is bright
There is a luminous quality to the surroundings
Round yon virgin
Nearby is a woman who has never had sexual intercourse
Mother and child
A mother is holding her baby
Holy infant so
The baby is of great religious significance
Tender and mild
The baby is delicate and gentle
Sleep in heavenly peace
The baby and those around him are sleeping soundly and without worry
Silent night
The night is peaceful and without noise
Holy night
It is a night of spiritual or religious significance
Son of god
Jesus is the child of God
Loves pure light
He emits a pure, loving light
Radient beams from thy
The light he emits is bright and powerful
Holy face
His face is marked by his divine nature
With the dawn of
With the beginning of
Redeeming grace
Jesus represents divine mercy and forgiveness
Jesus lord at thy birth
Jesus was born as the Lord
Jesus lord at thy birth
Jesus was born as the Lord
Silent night
The night is peaceful and without noise
Holy night
It is a night of spiritual or religious significance
All is calm
There is tranquility and stillness
All is bright
There is a luminous quality to the surroundings
Round yon virgin
Nearby is a woman who has never had sexual intercourse
Mother and child
A mother is holding her baby
Holy infant so
The baby is of great religious significance
Tender and mild
The baby is delicate and gentle
Sleep in heavenly peace
The baby and those around him are sleeping soundly and without worry
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANDREW O'CALLAGHAN, FRANZ XAVER GRUBER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind