HALLELUJAH
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
-Luke 2:7-19
The Story Behind the Song
This song was the most fun I have ever had in a recording studio, because I got to take my then 7-year-old son with me. I originally started this song as a piano solo, then liked the idea of it as a Christmas song, so after a great deal of modification, came up with Hallelujah. I love using familiar and favorite Christmas songs as a countermelody, so I tried to work in "Angels We Have Heard on High" at the end of the song.
As I was playing around with the accompaniment, my son came in and said, "Hey, I know this song!" And proceeded to sing along as I played. At that point, I knew I would have to deviate from my standard of recording 2 parts by myself and mashing them together. He would be my angel choir when I recorded the song.
He was so adorable in the studio and he loved it. He is very proud of his part in this song, as is his mother! Because of his angelic voice, this song has quickly become my favorite.
LYRICS
In a stable dark and cold, a baby rests His head.
His mother, Mary sings aloud and this is what she said,
"Hallelujah, hallelujah, Hallelujah,
He is born, He is born."
King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The Ruler of all Nations.
Sent to teach His holy word, to bring our souls salvation.
I'll lift my voice in praise and joy,
With angel choirs I'll sing: "Hallelu!"
There were shepherds in the fields, and Wise Men from the East.
They came to see the newborn King, They laid gifts at His feet.
"Hallelujah, hallelujah, Hallelujah,
He is born, He is born."
King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The Ruler of all Nations.
Sent to teach His holy word, To bring our souls salvation.
I'll lift my voice in praise and joy
With angel choirs I'll sing: "Hallelu!"
Each day I live I want to give my life to follow Him.
Angels we have heard on High
Sweetly singing o'er the plains.
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo
Hallelu!
In a stable dark and cold, A baby rests His head.
His mother, Mary sings aloud and this is what she said,
"Hallelujah, hallelujah, Hallelujah,
He is born, He is born."