In Dulce Jubilo
St. Olaf Choirs And Orchestra Lyrics


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In dulci jubilo
now sing with hearts aglow
Our delight and pleasure
lies in praesepio
Like sunshine is our treasure
Matris in gremio
Alpha est et O
Alpha est et O
O Jesu parvule
for Thee I long alway
Comfort my hearts blindness
O puer optime
With all thy loving kindness
O Princeps gloriae
Trahe me post te
Trahe me post te
O Patris caritas
O nati lenitas
Deeply were we stained
Per nostra crimina
But Thou for us has gained
Caelorum gaudia
That we were there
O that we were there
Ubi sunt gaudia
In any place but there
There are angels singing
In Nova Cantica
And there the bells are ringing
In regis curia
O that we were there




O that we were there
O that we were there

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "In Dulce Jubilo" by St. Olaf Choirs and Orchestra express a sense of joy and longing for the presence of Jesus. The phrase "In dulce jubilo" translates to "in sweet rejoicing" or "in sweet jubilation," setting the tone for the song. The opening lines, "now sing with hearts aglow, our delight and pleasure lies in praesepio," convey the overflowing happiness and delight felt in the manger where Jesus was born.


The second stanza continues with a yearning for Jesus, "O Jesu parvule, for Thee I long alway, comfort my heart's blindness, O puer optime" - expressing a deep longing for the presence of Jesus and a desire for Him to comfort and heal any spiritual darkness within. The reference to Jesus as the "Prince of glory" further emphasizes His divine and redemptive nature.


As the song progresses, it reflects on the fallen state of humanity, described as being deeply stained through our own transgressions. However, it introduces the concept of Jesus as our savior who has gained the joys of heaven for us through His actions. The mention of angels singing and bells ringing in the heavenly court creates a contrasting image to the earthly longing, highlighting the joy and bliss of being in the presence of Jesus.


Overall, "In Dulce Jubilo" captures the essence of the Christmas season - the joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus, coupled with a heartfelt longing for His presence and the ultimate redemption He brings.


Line by Line Meaning

In dulci jubilo
In sweet joy


now sing with hearts aglow
let us now sing with hearts full of warmth and passion


Our delight and pleasure
Our joy and happiness


lies in praesepio
is found in the manger


Like sunshine is our treasure
Our treasure is as radiant as the sun


Matris in gremio
In the arms of the Mother


Alpha est et O
Alpha and Omega


O Jesu parvule
Oh little Jesus


for Thee I long alway
I always long for you


Comfort my hearts blindness
Bring comfort to the blindness of my heart


O puer optime
Oh excellent child


With all thy loving kindness
With all your loving kindness


O Princeps gloriae
Oh Prince of glory


Trahe me post te
Draw me after you


O Patris caritas
Oh Father's love


O nati lenitas
Oh gentle Son


Deeply were we stained
We were deeply stained


Per nostra crimina
Through our sins


But Thou for us has gained
But you have gained for us


Caelorum gaudia
The joys of heaven


That we were there
If only we were there


O that we were there
Oh, how we wish we were there


Ubi sunt gaudia
Where are the joys


In any place but there
Anywhere else but there


There are angels singing
Angels are singing


In Nova Cantica
In new songs


And there the bells are ringing
And there, the bells are ringing




Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH, MICHAEL GORDON OLDFIELD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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