Angels We Have Heard on High
This song is based on a French carol called Les Anges dans nos campagnes (The Angels in our Countryside). The song has been changed over time. This is the most common English version. It was translated by James Chadwick in 1862. He was a Roman Catholic Bishop in northeast England.
Angels We Have Heard on High
Christmas Carol
1. Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
(Chorus)
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!*
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
2. Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?
(Chorus)
3. Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
(Chorus)
4. See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praise;**
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.
(Chorus)
Notes
*"Gloria in excelsis Deo" translates to, "Glory to God in the highest."
**Alternate line: "Jesus, Lord of heaven and earth".
