Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Anthony Burger Lyrics


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It came upon the midnight clear
That glorious song of old
From Angels playing near the earth
To touch their harps of gold

Peace on the earth could will two men
From Heaven's all-gracious King
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the Angels sing

And I hear them singing
Sing, I do hear them singing

The first Noel the Angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay




In fields where they lay, they keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep

Overall Meaning

Anthony Crossland's song "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" talks about the angels announcing the birth of Jesus to the world. The lyrics suggest that the angels descended on earth and played their harps to create a beautiful melody. It is said that the angels sang in unison and announced that peace would prevail on the earth because of the birth of Jesus Christ, which is the most gracious gift of God to mankind. The world falls into an eerie silence as if it is waiting to hear the chorus of the angels.


The lyrics further suggest that the shepherds were the first to hear the angels sing the news of Jesus's birth. They were keeping their sheep in the fields when the angels descended and informed them about the good news. The angel's announcement gave hope to the people who were living in darkness and despair. The song portrays the angels as beings who were sent by God to ignite hope and peace in a world that was filled with chaos and wars. The chorus of the song emphasizes the beauty of the angels' voices as they sing the praises of God.


Line by Line Meaning

It came upon the midnight clear
The event that occurred in the calm of the night


That glorious song of old
A beautiful melody from ancient times


From Angels playing near the earth
Angelic beings performing music in close proximity to the planet


To touch their harps of gold
Strumming their golden stringed instruments


Peace on the earth could will two men
Mankind could achieve peace on earth


From Heaven's all-gracious King
From a divine ruler of kindness in heaven


The world in solemn stillness lay
The world was motionless and quiet


To hear the Angels sing
To listen to the Angels' song


And I hear them singing
I too hear them singing


Sing, I do hear them singing
I truly can hear them sing


The first Noel the Angel did say
The first Christmas message the Angel conveyed


Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
Received by some impoverished shepherds sleeping in open fields


In fields where they lay, they keeping their sheep
Shepherds were resting in the meadowlands while keeping watch over their flock


On a cold winter's night that was so deep
A winter evening that was particularly dark and chilly




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EDMUND HAMILTON SEARS, RICHARD STORRS WILLIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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