We Three Kings
Tom Howard Lyrics
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That glorious song of old
From Angels playing near the earth
To touch their harps of gold
Peace on the earth could will two men
From Heaven's all-gracious King
The world in solemn stillness lay
And I hear them singing
Sing, I do hear them singing
The first Noel the Angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay, they keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep
In Tom Howard's song "We Three Kings," the lyrics describe the moment when the three wise men encounter the star of Bethlehem and are compelled to follow it in order to find the baby Jesus. The opening line takes on a nostalgic tone, bringing to mind the ethereal and otherworldly nature of the event in question. The phrase "glorious song of old" can be interpreted both literally as a reference to the sound of angels singing, but also symbolically as a nod to the significance and historical weight of the event. The phrase "from Angels playing near the earth, to touch their harps of gold" offers a vivid image of the angels creating music to accompany the momentous event unfolding below them.
The second verse speaks to the message of hope and peace that Jesus represents. The phrase "Peace on the earth could will two men" can be translated to mean that human beings have the power to create peace on Earth. The "all-gracious King" refers to God, who is seen as the provider of this peace. The phrase "The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the Angels sing" paints a picture of the gravity of the event, conveying a sense of awe and reverence.
Overall, the lyrics to "We Three Kings" offer an account of the Christmas story that celebrates both the mystical and spiritual aspects of the holiday, as well as its message of hope and peace.
Line by Line Meaning
It came upon the midnight clear
The clear night sky brought a message of hope and promise
That glorious song of old
A beautiful hymn from long ago
From Angels playing near the earth
Heavenly messengers making music on Earth
To touch their harps of gold
Playing their instruments made of precious metal
Peace on the earth could will two men
Two individuals could bring peace to the world
From Heaven's all-gracious King
From the merciful ruler of the heavens
The world in solemn stillness lay
The world was quiet and peaceful
To hear the Angels sing
To listen to the heavenly choir
And I hear them singing
And I can still hear them singing today
Sing, I do hear them singing
I am reminded of their music and words
The first Noel the Angel did say
The first word of Christmas was spoken by an angel
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
To humble shepherds working in the fields
In fields where they lay, they keeping their sheep
While they watched over their flocks
On a cold winter's night that was so deep
On a dark and chilly winter evening
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EDMUND HAMILTON SEARS, RICHARD STORRS WILLIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind