It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Johnny Mathis/Percy Faith & His Orchestra Lyrics
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From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold
Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, from heav'n's all gracious king
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurl
And still their heavenly music floats, O'er all the weary world.
Above its sad and lowly plains they bend on hovering wing
O ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low
Who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow
Look now for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing
O rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing.
For lo the days are hastening on, by prophets seen of old
When with the ever circling years shall come the time foretold
When the new heaven and earth shall own the prince of peace their King
And the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.
The lyrics of Johnny Mathis's "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" revolve around the traditional Christmas story of the angels announcing the birth of Jesus Christ to the shepherds. The first verse describes the beautiful and peaceful moment when the angels sing their glorious song to the world, announcing the news of the savior's birth. The second verse talks about how the angels continue to come through the skies, as their music brings peace to the world, hovering above the sad and lowly plains. The third verse encourages those who are struggling and weighed down by life's difficulties to look forward to the coming of better times, just as the angels sang about it two thousand years ago. The final verse announces the prophetic times when the prince of peace will return to earth, and the whole world will join in the song of the angels, rejoicing in the salvation that comes with his birth.
Line by Line Meaning
came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old
The beautiful song of angels singing in the calm of the night has arrived, bringing glorious tidings of joy.
From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold
Angels descend from the heavens to get close to the earth and play their beautiful harps made of gold.
Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, from heav'n's all gracious king
The king of heaven has bestowed peace and goodwill upon the earth and its inhabitants.
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.
The world was quiet and still, waiting expectantly to listen to the angels' beautiful song.
Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurl
The angels continue to come from the split heavens, with their wings symbolizing peace and calm.
And still their heavenly music floats, O'er all the weary world.
Their angelic choir's music carries on, spreading over the entire, tired world.
Above its sad and lowly plains they bend on hovering wing
The angels look over the earth's impoverished and dismal regions, hovering with their wings outstretched.
And ever o'er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing.
The angels continuously sing their sanctified song, through the noises and disorder of the world.
O ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low
To those who are struggling under life's weight and feel exhausted and beaten down.
Who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow
Those who work hard and make slow progress towards their goals.
Look now for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing
Look out for beautiful moments of happiness that will arrive quickly like a bird's wing.
O rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing.
Take a well-deserved rest from your tiresome journey and listen to the beautiful song of the angels.
For lo the days are hastening on, by prophets seen of old
The prophets from ancient times predicted that these days would come soon.
When with the ever circling years shall come the time foretold
The promised time will eventually arrive with the passing of the years.
When the new heaven and earth shall own the prince of peace their King
The new world will recognize the leader of peace as their king.
And the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.
The whole world will echo the beautiful song of the angels.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edmund Hamilton Sears, Richard Storrs Willis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind