Angels We Have Heard On High
Amber Riley/Glee Lyrics

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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 first verse of Amber Riley's version of "Angels We Have Heard on High" describes the experience of seeing and hearing angels singing over the plains and mountains. The phrase "sweetly singing" evokes a sense of peace and happiness, while the echoes of their songs bring joy to the earth. The chorus, sung in Latin, translates to "Glory to God in the highest."

The second verse speaks directly to the shepherds who are experiencing the joyous celebrations of the angels. It asks them why they are experiencing such great happiness and what kind of good news they are sharing through their heavenly song. The chorus is repeated again, emphasizing the glory being given to God.

The third verse invites listeners to "come to Bethlehem and see" the newborn King that the angels are celebrating. The phrase "adore on bended knee" suggests that the newborn King is worthy of worship and respect. The chorus is repeated once more.

The fourth and final verse describes the scene of the newborn King lying in a manger, with Mary and Joseph nearby. It suggests that the shepherds and other listeners can also join in the celebration and sing along with the angels. The chorus is repeated yet again.

Line by Line Meaning

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

Sweetly singing over the plains
Angels singing joyful songs that are pleasing to hear over the plains

And the mountains in reply, Echoing their joyous strains.
The mountains are repeating the joyous songs of the angels singing back to them

Glo-ori-a In excelsis de-o Glo-ori-a In excelsis de-o
The angels are singing 'Glory to God in the highest'

Shepherds, why this Jubilee?
The shepherds are being asked why they are celebrating so much

Why your joyous strains prolong?
Why are you continuing to sing happy songs?

What the gladsome tidings be
What is the good news that is making you so happy?

Which inspire your heavenly song?
What is inspiring you to sing this joyous song from heaven?

Come to Bethlehem and see
Come to Bethlehem to witness an event

Him whose birth the angels sing;
See the newborn that the angels are singing about

Come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, The newborn King
Kneel to worship and adore Christ, the Lord and newborn King

See Him in a manger laid
The newborn King can be seen 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 being asked to help

With us sing our Savior's birth.
Join us in singing about the birth of our Savior

Glo-ori-a In excelsis de-o Glo-ori-a In excelsis de-o
The angels are singing 'Glory to God in the highest'

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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