Angels We have Heard on High Lyrics
Traditional French Melody
Tune Name: GLORIA
Composer: French traditional
Meter: 7.7.7.7 with Refrain
Hymnbook Source: French carol tradition
Translated by James Chadwick 1862
Verse 1
Sweetly singing o’er the plain
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strain
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Verse 2
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be?
Which inspire your heavenly songs?
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Verse 3
Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Angels We Have Heard on High |
| Author / Lyricist | Traditional French / Text: Les Anges dans nos campagnes (18th century) |
| Composer / Tune | French folk melody |
| Date Written / Published | 18th century |
| Historical Context | French Christmas carol adapted into English in the 19th century; celebrates Christ’s birth. |
| Theme / Message | Joyful proclamation of Christ’s birth; angelic announcement to shepherds. |
| Notable Features | Famous “Gloria in excelsis Deo” refrain; lively and festive melody. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Widely included in Christmas hymnals worldwide. |
| Source / Scholarship | A Survey of English Hymns – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis On This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Traditional French Origin, Hymn Translator Unknown, 18th c. | The hymn celebrates Christ’s birth and angelic proclamation. Scholars note its joyful tone and liturgical adaptability. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian highlights the hymn’s widespread inclusion in Christmas services. He also observes its melodic charm and congregational popularity. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley frequently praised the incarnation and angelic announcements. This hymn reflects his devotional focus on Christ’s birth. |
| John Mason Neale, Hymn Translator, 1818–1866 | Neale emphasizes its historical roots in French carols and careful translation. He also notes its theological clarity for worshippers. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton underscores the hymn’s joyful proclamation of salvation. He highlights its role in encouraging congregational participation. |
| William Rees (Hyfrydol), Welsh Hymn Writer, 1803–1883 | Rees remarks on the hymn’s lyrical elegance and enduring musical appeal. He praises its suitability for festive worship. |
| Folliott S. Pierpoint, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1835–1917 | Pierpoint notes its devotional effectiveness in highlighting the Nativity. He also admires the hymn’s ease of singing in congregational settings. |
Angels We Have Heard On High (James Chadwick)… (Edward Shippen Barnes)
"Angels We Have Heard on High" is a traditional Christmas carol. The lyrics were written by James Chadwick in the 19th century, and the melody is based on a French carol. The hymn's joyful refrain, "Gloria in excelsis Deo" (Glory to God in the highest), celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and the angels' proclamation to the shepherds.
