Angels We Have Heard On High
Ralph Carmichael Lyrics

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Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plain
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Glo-glo-glo-gloria, in excelsis deo
Ooh, no, yeah yeah

Shepards, why this jubilee

Why your joyous song prolong
What the gladsome tidings be, ohh
That inspire your heavenly song
Glo-glo-glo-gloria, in excelsis deo
Oh oh oh, ooh oh, oh yeah

Ohh, come to bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing, oh
Come on adore on bended knee
Christ, the lord, our new-born king
Glo-glo-glo-gloria, in excelsis deo, oh yeah

On the day, that christ was born
The angels sang such a heavenly song
In excelsis deo, ohh

Angels we have heard on high
Angels we have heard on high
Angels we have heard on high
Angels we have heard on high
In excelsis deo
In excelsis deo

In excelsis deo

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ralph Carmichael's song "Angels We Have Heard On High" describe the awe-inspiring experience of hearing angels singing and echoing their joyous strains over the plain. The first verse sets the scene, emphasizing the sweet and melodic nature of the angels' song and the way the mountains reverberate their joyful message. The repeated phrase "Glo-glo-glo-gloria, in excelsis deo" serves as a vocalization of the angelic chorus, adding a sense of wonder and exaltation to the song.

In the second verse, the shepherds are addressed, questioning the reason for their jubilee and the prolonging of their joyous song. The lyrics suggest that the shepherds have received glad tidings that inspire the heavenly song. The phrase "Glo-glo-glo-gloria, in excelsis deo" is repeated once again, reinforcing the reverence and praise associated with the presence of the angels.

The third verse invites the listener to go to Bethlehem and witness the birth of the baby to whom the angels sing. The lyrics encourage adoration of the newborn king, Christ, suggesting a humble and bowed position in reverence. The final repetition of "Glo-glo-glo-gloria, in excelsis deo" acts as a resounding proclamation of praise and adoration.

Overall, the lyrics of the song reflect the wonder, joy, and reverence associated with the celestial announcement of Christ's birth. The repetition of phrases and vocalizations serves to reinforce the grandeur of the scene and the praise being offered.

Line by Line Meaning

Angels we have heard on high
We have been fortunate to hear the angels singing in the sky.

Sweetly singing o'er the plain
Their voices are filled with sweetness as they sing across the open fields.

And the mountains in reply
Even the mountains echo back in response to their joyful melody.

Echoing their joyous strains
The mountains replicate and amplify their joyful songs.

Glo-glo-glo-gloria, in excelsis deo
A heavenly chant of 'Glory to God in the highest.'

Ooh, no, yeah yeah
Expressing excitement and agreement with the divine declaration.

Shepards, why this jubilee
Shepherds, why are you filled with such celebration and joy?

Why your joyous song prolong
Why do you continue to sing this joyful song?

What the gladsome tidings be, ohh
What is the joyful news that brings you such delight?

That inspire your heavenly song
It is this inspiring news that motivates you to sing this heavenly song.

Oh oh oh, ooh oh, oh yeah
Expressing the emotional response and agreement with the joyful tidings.

Ohh, come to bethlehem and see
Oh, come to Bethlehem and witness this magnificent event for yourself.

Him whose birth the angels sing, oh
See the one whose birth the angels are proclaiming with their songs.

Come on adore on bended knee
Approach with reverence and worship, humbling oneself before this divine presence.

Christ, the lord, our new-born king
Christ, the Savior, our recently born King.

On the day, that christ was born
On the day of Christ's birth

The angels sang such a heavenly song
The angels rejoiced and sang a truly divine song

In excelsis deo, ohh
In the highest, praising and glorifying God

Angels we have heard on high
We have heard angels singing in the sky

In excelsis deo
In the highest, praising and glorifying God

Lyrics © NEIL MUSIC/SKYVIEW MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TRADITIONAL, MACK DONALD III BROCK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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