Angels We Have Heard On High
Placido Domingo & Vanessa Williams Lyrics
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Sweetly singing o'er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Gloria in excelsis deo
Gloria in excelsis deo
Shepherds, why this jubilee
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song
Gloria in excelsis deo
Gloria in excelsis deo
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angles sing
Come adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, our newborn King
Gloria in excelsis deo
Gloria in excelsis deo
Gloria (Angels we have heard on high)
Gloria (Sweetly singing o'er the plains)
Gloria (And the mountains in reply)
Gloria (Echoing their joyous strains)
This classic Christmas song speaks of angels appearing to shepherds to deliver the news of the birth of Jesus. The first verse describes the angels' joyful singing as they announce the news, which echoes throughout the mountains and plains. The chorus, with the words "Gloria in excelsis deo," is a Latin phrase meaning "Glory to God in the highest."
The second verse addresses the shepherds, asking why they are singing and celebrating, and what the good news is that they have received. The answer comes in the third verse, as the shepherds are invited to come see the newborn baby in Bethlehem and adore him. The final chorus repeats the Latin phrase, acknowledging the glory of God and the joyous celebration of his birth.
Overall, the song is a celebration of the divine birth and the coming of the Messiah, and the joy and wonder that it inspires.
Line by Line Meaning
Angels we have heard on high
We have heard angels singing in the sky
Sweetly singing o'er the plains
Their singing is so sweet and it echoes across the plain.
And the mountains in reply
Mountains also respond to their joyous music.
Echoing their joyous strains
The mountains echo the joyous tune of the angels.
Gloria in excelsis deo
Glory to God in the highest.
Shepherds, why this jubilee
Shepherds, why are you so joyful and celebrating?
Why your joyous strains prolong
Why do you continue to sing songs of joy?
What the gladsome tidings be
What is the good news that inspired you to sing?
Which inspire your heavenly song
What is it that inspired you to sing this heavenly song?
Come to Bethlehem and see
Come to Bethlehem and witness with your own eyes.
Him whose birth the angles sing
Behold the newborn baby that the angels are singing about.
Come adore on bended knee
Kneel down in adoration and worship Him.
Christ the Lord, our newborn king
This newborn baby is Christ the Lord, our king.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ARTHUR FERRANTE, LOUIS TEICHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind