Doug Smith is a nationally recognized acoustic guitarist who weaves togethe… Read Full Bio ↴Doug Smith is a nationally recognized acoustic guitarist who weaves together folk, classical, jazz and contemporary forms into a unique, flowing finger-picking style recalling the playing of Chet Atkins, Leo Kottke, Michael Hedges, and Alex de Grassi.

Doug Smith's playing style has developed through many influences over the years. He began playing in the mid-60's when he was around 10 years old. His parents wanted him to take piano lessons (as had the rest of the family), but Doug had developed an interest in the Beatles and was drawn to the guitar instead, so he began guitar lessons from a local music store and continued these lessons for about a year.

Hark The Herald Angels Sing
Doug Smith Lyrics

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Hark! The herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem

Hark! The herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born king

Mild He lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth;
Born to give them second birth.
Ris'n with healing in his wings
Light and life to all he brings
Hail the son of righteousness
Hail the Heav'n-born prince of peace

Hark! The herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born king

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Doug Smith's Hark the Herald Angels Sing describe the joyful announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ. The first stanza describes the chorus of the angels as they proclaim "Glory to the new-born king" and "Peace on earth and mercy mild". The second stanza highlights the significance of Christ's birth as a means for humanity to find salvation and redemption. He is described as "Born to raise the sons of earth", and "Born to give them second birth". This references the Christian belief in the concept of being "born again" through faith in Jesus.

The final lines of both stanzas - "Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born king" - reiterate the importance of Christ's arrival and highlight the joy and celebration that should accompany this announcement.

The lyrics are notable for their use of dramatic, joyful language and for their emphasis on the redemptive power of Christ's birth. The song has been widely regarded as a beloved Christmas hymn since it was first composed, and its enduring popularity speaks to its timeless message of hope and salvation.

Line by Line Meaning

Hark! The herald angels sing
Listen! The messengers of the divine announce

Glory to the new-born king
Praise to the newly born king of all

Peace on earth and mercy mild
May there be peace on earth and kindness shown

God and sinners reconciled
God and sinners made right in his eyes

Joyful all ye nations rise
Let all nations rise up in exultation

Join the triumph of the skies
Partake in the victory of heaven

With angelic host proclaim
Announce with the company of angels

Christ is born in Bethlehem
The savior is born in Bethlehem

Mild He lays his glory by
He humbly sets aside his divine magnificence

Born that man no more may die
Born to conquer death for all mankind

Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to lift up all the people of the earth