Ding dong! merrily on high
Worcester Cathedral Choir Lyrics
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In heav'n the bells are ringing
Ding dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with angel singing
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
E'en so here below, below,
And "Io, io, io!"
By priest and people sungen.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers;
May you beautifully rime
Your evetime song, ye singers.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
The opening lines "Ding dong merrily on high, in heav'n the bells are ringing" describes the joyous atmosphere of heaven where the angels are singing and the bells are ringing. The phrase "Ding dong!" repeatedly used throughout the song further gives the impression of the chiming of bells. The next line, "Ding dong! verily the sky is riv'n with angel singing" refers to the angels joyfully singing “Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!” which is a Latin phrase that translates to "Glory to God in the highest, Hosanna in the highest."
In the second stanza, "E'en so here below, below, let steeple bells be swungen" encourages the people on earth to also ring their bells joyfully in praise. The phrase "Io, io, io!" is a Greek word that means "rejoice" and is used as a celebratory chant in the song. The final stanza, "Pray you, dutifully prime your matin chime, ye ringers; may you beautifully rime your evetime song, ye singers." is a call to the ringers and singers to perform well and beautifully.
Overall, the song Ding Dong! Merrily on High is a joyful Christmas song that encourages people to celebrate and join in the festive cheer. The song is not only about the sounds of bells but also about the beauty of harmony and the joy of singing together.
Line by Line Meaning
Ding dong merrily on high
Joyful and uplifting sounds transcend from the heights above.
In heav'n the bells are ringing
The bells of heaven are ringing loudly and joyfully.
Ding dong! verily the sky
The sky resounds with ringing bells and joyful singing.
Is riv'n with angel singing
The angels are singing, and their voices are echoing through the sky.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Praise be to God in the highest, and hosanna to the King of kings!
E'en so here below, below,
Even here on earth, let us join in the song and celebration.
Let steeple bells be swungen,
Let the bells in the steeple be rung with enthusiasm and joy.
And "Io, io, io!"
Let the sound of joyful singing fill the air.
By priest and people sungen.
Let priests and the people alike join in the singing.
Pray you, dutifully prime
Pray that you, bell-ringers, will skillfully ring the bells.
Your matin chime, ye ringers;
May your morning chimes resound with beauty and clarity.
May you beautifully rime
May the singers intone their evening songs with lovely harmonies.
Your evetime song, ye singers.
May the singers honor God with their songs of praise and thanksgiving.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Praise be to God in the highest, and hosanna to the King of kings!
Writer(s): David Willcocks
Contributed by Mia K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.