MU330 (pronounced "em-you-three-thirty") are a ska/punk band formed in 1988… Read Full Bio ↴MU330 (pronounced "em-you-three-thirty") are a ska/punk band formed in 1988 in Saint Louis, Missouri. The original members met in Saint Louis University High School music class 330 (hence the name of the band).

MU330's lineup has changed frequently, but the foundations of the band remained intact — Potthast, Diebold, Bell, and Moll.

The band is self-described as "psycho ska" and are known for their lively performances and a general ethic of fun and optimism. Their lyrics cover many topics, from racism to love songs to testicular cancer.

Angels We Have Heard on High
MU330 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the place,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their sweet refrain.

Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?

Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Overall Meaning

The song "Angels We Have Heard on High" is a timeless classic that is often played during the holiday season. The lyrics tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ and the joyous celebration of the shepherds who witnessed the events. The opening lines of the song describe the angels singing sweetly over the place where Jesus was born. The sound of their beautiful voices echoes through the mountains in response to the miraculous birth. The refrain that follows, "Gloria in excelsis Deo," is Latin for "Glory to God in the highest," which is a typical verse used in church liturgy.

The second verse of the song addresses the shepherds who ask the angels why they are celebrating. The lyrics suggest that the shepherds were inspired by the heavenly joy they heard in the angel's voices. The refrain repeats, emphasizing the importance of giving glory to God for such a special event.

Overall, the song is a reminder of the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ and the joy that it brought to the world. It speaks to the idea that heaven and earth rejoiced together when Jesus was born and that we should continue to celebrate and give thanks to God for this miraculous event.

Line by Line Meaning

Angels we have heard on high
We have heard angels singing loudly and beautifully

Sweetly singing o'er the place,
They are singing melodiously over the area

And the mountains in reply
The mountains are echoing back their sweet song

Echoing their sweet refrain.
Echoing the sweet tune they created

Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Praising God in the highest heaven

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Shepherds, why are you so happy?

Why your joyous strains prolong?
Why continue to sing joyfully?

What the gladsome tidings be
What is this joyful news?

Which inspire your heavenly song?
What made you inspired to sing such a heavenly song?

Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Praising God in the highest heaven