Richard Smallwood - O What A Night Lyrics
Lyrics
(verse 1)
Angels, Singing Glory to the Newborn king
Shepherds, Watching as they hear the choir sing
Star is, Shining leading wise men to the light
Jesus, Is born What a time O what a Night
(Chorus)
O What a night
It's beautiful Night
Twas the night that our Saviour was born
(verse 2)
Mary, Smiling as she wrapped her new born babe
Joseph, nodding at this child who's come to save
He will, lead us out of darkness to the light
Glory, Glory what A time O what a night
(Chorus) x3
O What a Night
It's a beautiful Night
Twas the night that our Saviour was born
(Chorus) X2
O (Ooooh) What a Night (ooooooh)
It's a (oooooh)beautiful Night (oooh Night)
Twas the night that our Saviour was born
(outro)
Fear not, For Behold i Bring you
Good tidings of Great Joy
(Hark the Harold Angels Sing)
Glory Glory Glory Glory yea
(Glory Glory to God in the highest)
For Unto you is Born this day
(Hark the Harold Angels Sing)
(Christ Was Born)
In the City Of David a Saviour
(Glory Glory to God in the highest)
A Saviour Which is Christ the Lord
(Hark the Harold Angels sing)
He was born Holy He was born
(Glory Glory to God in the highest)
Righteousness He was born Mighty One
(Hark the Harold Angels sing)
Prince of Peace
(Christ was born)
Saviour of the world
(Glory Glory to God in the highest)
Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus oh oh Jesus
(Hark the Harold angels sing)
Video
O What A Night
Meaning & Inspiration
Richard Smallwood's "O What A Night," released in 1997 as part of the album *Rejoice (with Vision)*, offers a profoundly moving reflection on the Nativity, weaving together established biblical narratives with a powerful devotional spirit. The song centers on the unparalleled significance of Jesus' birth, a moment that irrevocably altered the course of human history. Smallwood doesn't simply recount the Christmas story; he invites the listener into the awe and wonder of that foundational event, emphasizing its transformative implications.
The lyrical journey begins with the celestial chorus of angels announcing the King of Kings, echoing the shepherds' amazed reception and the guiding light of the star for the Magi. This immediately establishes the divine orchestration of the event. The core message is articulated in the recurring refrain, "O What a night / It's a beautiful Night / Twas the night that our Saviour was born." This simple yet potent declaration underscores the singular importance of this night above all others, a night of salvation announced. The second verse shifts to the intimate scene of Mary and Joseph with their newborn, highlighting the tender humanity of the moment while simultaneously recognizing the divine purpose of the child, who "will lead us out of darkness to the light." This allusion to Jesus as the light of the world is a direct echo of John 8:12, where Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." The "Glory, Glory" that Smallwood interjects further amplifies the sense of divine triumph and the fulfillment of prophecy.
The song's true depth is revealed in its extended outro, which draws heavily from the angelic proclamation to the shepherds found in Luke 2:10-11: "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which will be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Smallwood masterfully interleaves these foundational scriptural declarations with exclamations of praise, referencing "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and the acclamation, "Glory to God in the highest." This cross-referencing transforms the song from a simple carol into a rich theological statement. The repeated emphasis on Jesus being born "Holy," "Righteousness," "Mighty One," and "Prince of Peace" directly aligns with Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah, such as Isaiah 9:6, which foretells a child born to us, a son given to us, whose government will be on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The repeated naming of "Jesus" in the final moments solidifies the personal and salvific nature of this divine intervention, reminding us that this extraordinary night ushered in a Savior for the world. Through its scriptural grounding and impassioned delivery, "O What A Night" transcends mere storytelling to become an inspiring testament to the bedrock of Christian faith.