Angels We Have Heard On High
Tobymac (Holiday) Lyrics

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Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing over the plains
And the mountains in reply,
Echoing their joyous strains.
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o

Shepherds, why this Jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o

Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ, the Lord,
The newborn King
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o

See Him in a manger laid
Jesus, Lord of heaven and earth!
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
With us sing our Savior's birth.
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o

Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o

Overall Meaning

The song "Angels We Have Heard On High" is a traditional Christmas carol that recounts the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The lyrics are a conversation between the shepherds, who have heard the angels singing, and the angels themselves, who are rejoicing in the birth of the Messiah. The first verse describes the scene of the angels singing over the plains and the mountains echoing their praise. The chorus, "Gloria in excelsis Deo", is a Latin phrase that means "Glory to God in the highest". It is used as a sign of reverence and adoration, and reinforces the religious significance of the song.

The second verse addresses the shepherds, and asks why they are celebrating. It asks what good news they have received that has inspired them to sing such joyful songs. The chorus is repeated, reaffirming the glory of God. The third verse invites the listeners to come to Bethlehem and witness the newborn Jesus. The angels sing of the birth of the King, and encourage the shepherds to come and worship him. The final verse portrays the scene of Mary and Joseph tending to the baby Jesus in a manger. The shepherds are invited to join in the celebration and sing of the Savior's birth.

Overall, "Angels We Have Heard On High" is a song that praises and worships God for sending his son, Jesus Christ, to save humanity. It is a beautiful reminder of the Christmas story and the hope that it brings to believers all around the world.

Line by Line Meaning

Angels we have heard on high
We have heard angels singing happily

Sweetly singing over the plains
They are singing softly over the flatlands

And the mountains in reply,
The mountains are echoing the angels' songs

Echoing their joyous strains.
They are repeating happy tunes

Glo-ori-a
Praising glory to God

In excelsis de-o
The highest praise to God

Shepherds, why this Jubilee?
Why are you all celebrating so joyfully, shepherds?

Why your joyous strains prolong?
What is inspiring you to continue singing happily?

What the gladsome tidings be
What is the good news that you are announcing?

Which inspire your heavenly song?
What is making you sing a song from heaven?

Come to Bethlehem and see
Come with us to Bethlehem and witness

Him whose birth the angels sing;
The one whom the angels are celebrating because of His birth

Come, adore on bended knee
Bend down and worship

Christ, the Lord,
Jesus, the Son of God

The newborn King
The new King that has just been born

See Him in a manger laid
He can be found lying in a feeding trough

Jesus, Lord of heaven and earth!
Jesus is the ruler of both heaven and earth

Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
Mary and Joseph, please assist us

With us sing our Savior's birth.
Sing with us to celebrate the birth of our Savior

Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MACK DONALD III BROCK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Maibely Cruz

2y↑1

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

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

Gloria, (Gloria), Gloria
Sing merrily, shout joyfully, sing merrily, shout joyfully
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess you alone are God, ahhh

See Him in a manger laid
Whom the choirs of angels praise
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid
While our hearts in love we raise

The greatest expression of love ever shown
Happened on this night
When the angel appeared to the shepherds and said,
"Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy
Which shall be for all people
For unto you is born this day
In the city of David
A Savior who is Christ the Lord
Glory to God in the highest
Emmanuel
The word made flesh
Lamb of God
Sing praises to His name"

Come let us adore
For unto us is born
A Savior who is Christ our Lord
Emmanuel, Elshaddia
Singing praises to the Lord most high
Our King of Kings and Lord of Lords
Sing Gloria
Gloria...

Shout joyfully to the Lord
My soul does magnify you
Holy is the Lord
The mighty One of Israel
And You alone are God
And You have done great things for us