Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing over the plains
And the mountains in reply,
Echoing their joyous strains.
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o

Shepherds, why this Jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o

Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ, the Lord,
The newborn King
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o

See Him in a manger laid
Jesus, Lord of heaven and earth!
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
With us sing our Savior's birth.
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Glee Cast's Angels We Have Heard on High is a traditional Christmas song that tells the story of the birth of Jesus. At the start of the song, the angels are heard singing sweetly over the plains and the mountains echo their joyous strains in response. The chorus of the song pays homage to God with the lyrics "Glo-ori-a in excelsis de-o", which is a Latin hymn saying "Glory to God in the highest".

The song then turns to the shepherds, who are rejoicing and singing with the angels. The angels announce the good news of the birth of Jesus, which brings joy to the world. The shepherds are curious and want to know more about the gladsome tidings, which is why they continue singing their joyous strains.

As the song continues, the shepherds are invited to come to Bethlehem to see the newborn King, and to worship Him on bended knee. The final verse speaks of how Jesus is laid in a manger, with Mary and Joseph there to support and lend their aid. The song ends with all singing together in praise and thanks to our Savior's birth.

Line by Line Meaning

Angels we have heard on high
We have heard angels singing over the plains

Sweetly singing over the plains
The angels are singing beautifully over the plains

And the mountains in reply,
The mountains echo the sound of the angels' joyous singing

Echoing their joyous strains.
The mountains are repeating the angels' joyful melodies

Glo-ori-a
This is a chorus that celebrates God's glory

In excelsis de-o
This is a Latin phrase that means 'in the highest God'

Shepherds, why this Jubilee?
Why are the shepherds celebrating this great event?

Why your joyous strains prolong?
Why are you continuing to sing such joyful melodies?

What the gladsome tidings be
What is this joyful news that inspires your heavenly song?

Which inspire your heavenly song?
What is the inspiration behind the shepherds' heavenly song?

Come to Bethlehem and see
Come to Bethlehem and witness for yourself

Him whose birth the angels sing;
The angels are singing about the birth of Jesus

Come, adore on bended knee
Come and worship while kneeling down in reverence

Christ, the Lord,
Jesus is the Lord and Savior

The newborn King
Jesus is the newly born king

See Him in a manger laid
Jesus is lying in a manger

Jesus, Lord of heaven and earth!
Jesus is the Lord of both heaven and earth

Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
Mary and Joseph are helping to care for Jesus

With us sing our Savior's birth.
Let us join together in song to celebrate the birth of our Savior

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: TRADITIONAL, MACK DONALD III BROCK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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