I was playing Jessye Norman and Kathleen Battle back to back singing O Holy Night – possibly the best Christmas song written – and as great as they both can sing it – one sweet, one earthy – you know who sings this song and makes you fall on your knees? – Irma Thomas – damn, she sings O Holy Night so damn good!!!!
fall on your knees, oh hear, the angel’s voices, oh night divine [the organ ripping in the background]
[now the chorus comes in – oh holy night, oh holy night]
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn…
[the organ ramps now]
O night divine…
[Irma starts getting down]
O night when Christ was born…
[organ slides]
Fall on your knees…
[choir low and slow in the background – holy holy night, holy holy night]
[Now Irma puts the finishing touches]
night that Christ was born – little bitty baby child – holy holy holy – holy night – Mary’s only child – o holy night