Phil Wickham

Lyrics

[Intro]
Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh-oh-oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh-oh-oh, oh

[Verse 1]
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear

[Chorus]
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel (Oh, oh, oh)
Shall come to Thee, O Israel!

[Hook]
Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh-oh-oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh-oh-oh, oh

[Verse 2]
O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine Advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight (Oh)

[Chorus]
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel (Oh, oh, oh)
Shall come to Thee, O Israel!
[Hook]
Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh-oh-oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh

[Instrumental Break]

[Chorus]
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel! (Oh)
Shall come to Thee, O Israel!
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel!
Shall come to Thee, O Israel!

[Outro]
Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh-oh-oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, ohEmbed

O Come O Come Emmanuel is one of the most beloved and timeless Christmas hymns of all time. First set to music in the 15th century, this hymn has since been translated into multiple languages and has been recorded by countless artists. One of the most notable recordings of this hymn is Phil Wickham’s version, which combines traditional instrumentation with modern production techniques to create an inspiring and moving rendition of this classic song.

About O Come O Come Emmanuel

O Come O Come Emmanuel is a hymn that dates back to the 15th century. The text of the hymn is based on the "O Antiphons," which are a series of seven prayers that are recited during the Vespers service leading up to Christmas Eve. Each of the seven prayers is addressed to Jesus with a different name, such as "O Wisdom," "O Adonai," and "O Emmanuel."

Over the years, there have been many different melodies set to the words of the "O Antiphons," and the most popular one is the tune that is used for O Come O Come Emmanuel. The composer of this tune is unknown, but it is widely believed to have originated in France during the 18th century. The melody is hauntingly beautiful and perfectly complements the solemn and reverent tone of the lyrics.

Phil Wickham’s version of O Come O Come Emmanuel is an example of how this hymn has continued to evolve and adapt over the centuries. Wickham’s rendition features traditional instrumentation such as piano, cello, and acoustic guitar, as well as more modern elements such as electronic drums and synthesizers. The result is a unique and contemporary interpretation of a classic hymn.

One of the most striking features of Wickham’s version of O Come O Come Emmanuel is his use of vocal harmonies. Throughout the song, Wickham layers his voice on top of itself to create rich and complex harmonies that add depth and emotion to the lyrics. The effect is particularly powerful during the final verses of the song, where the harmony builds to a crescendo that is both beautiful and moving.

Another aspect of Wickham’s version of O Come O Come Emmanuel that sets it apart from other recordings is its production quality. The song is impeccably produced, with every instrument and vocal track mixed in just the right way to create a perfect balance of sound. The use of electronic drums and synthesizers adds a modern edge to the song, while the traditional instruments keep the hymn grounded in its roots.

In addition to the musical elements of Wickham’s version of O Come O Come Emmanuel, the lyrics of the hymn are also worth noting. The words of the "O Antiphons" have a timeless quality to them that speaks to the universal hopes and fears of humanity. Lines such as "O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind" and "O come, O Key of David, come and open wide our heavenly home" are powerful reminders of the true meaning of Christmas.

In many ways, Phil Wickham’s version of O Come O Come Emmanuel is a perfect representation of the enduring appeal of Christmas hymns. By combining traditional and modern elements, he creates a version of the hymn that is both timeless and timely. Whether you are a fan of religious music or simply appreciate beautiful and moving music, O Come O Come Emmanuel is a song that will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come.

• Release Date: October 28, 2010
• Artist: Phil Wickham