Christmas-Songs.Org: Angels We Have Heard On High
Angels we have heard on high
Singing sweetly through the night
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their brave delight.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why these songs of happy cheer?
What great brightness did you see?
What glad tiding did you hear?
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ, the Lord, the new-born King.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
See him in a manger laid
Whom the angels praise above
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid
While we raise our hearts in love.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
About this song Angels We Have Heard On High
"Angels we have heard on high" is based on a traditional French Christmas song, "Les Anges dans nos Campagnes". This song was translated to English by James Chadwick in the 19th century.
Gloria in excelsis Deo" means "Glory to God on high" in Greek. The complete lyrics to this song may be found here.
Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella, The Friendly Beasts and Burgandian Carol are other Christmas carols translated from French.