Angels We Have Heard On High
Nelson Riddle Orchestra And Chorus Lyrics


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Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.

[Chorus]
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
Say what may the tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?

[Chorus]

Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Angels We Have Heard on High" speak of the joy and wonder of the Christmas story. The first verse sets the scene of the shepherds in the fields, watching over their flocks by night, and hearing the angels singing in the sky. The mountains themselves respond with echoes in their own joyous strains, creating a harmonious chorus that echoes throughout the land. The refrain, "Gloria in excelsis Deo," which means "Glory to God in the highest," is repeated throughout the song, reminding us of the reason for the season.


The second verse speaks directly to the shepherds themselves, asking them why they are so jubilant and urging them to share the tidings that have inspired their song. The final verse invites all to come and worship the newborn King in Bethlehem, and to kneel before him in adoration. The overwhelming theme of the song is the wondrous joy and peace that can be found in the presence of the Christ child, and the hope that his birth brings to the world.


Line by Line Meaning

Angels we have heard on high
We have heard a choir of angels singing above us


Sweetly singing o'er the plains
They were singing in a pleasant and melodious tone across the fields


And the mountains in reply
Even the mountains 'echoed' the joyous melodies of the angels


Echos in their joyous strains
The echoes of the mountains added to and reverberated the angels' joyful music


Glor-or-or-or-or-or, Or-or-or-or-or, Or-or-or-or-or-ria
Multiple repetitions of the word 'Gloria', exalting and praising God


In excelsis Deo!
In the highest praises to God!


Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why are you, shepherds, so full of festive celebration?


Why your gladtime strain prolong?
Why are you continuing to sing with such enthusiasm?


Say what may the tidings be?
Tell us what is the good news?


Which inspire your heavenly song?
What was the inspiration behind the joyful music you are now singing?


Come to Bethl'em, come and see
Come to Bethlehem and see for yourself


Whose birth the angels sing
Whose birth is so special that it inspired the choir of angels to sing?


Come, adore on bended knee
Join us in showing worship and reverence on your knees


The infant Christ, the newborn King
The newborn baby who is Christ, the King




Lyrics © DISK EYES MUSIC

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