Angels We Have Heard on High Lyrics
Angels We Have Heard on High Lyrics
“Angels We Have Heard on High” lyrics are words from a Christmas carol that tell the story of the shepherds’ experience of the angelic announcement of the birth of Jesus.
The lyrics center around the biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ as described in the Gospel of Luke.
The song specifically focuses on the scene near Bethlehem where shepherds are visited by a multitude of angels who sing and praise the newborn child.
This encounter between the shepherds and the heavenly messengers is joyfully depicted in the lyrics of the carol.
Below are the commonly sung English lyrics to “Angels We Have Heard on High”:
Angels We Have Heard on High Lyrics
1 Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o'er the plains, and the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains: Refrain: 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 heav'nly song? Refrain: Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! 3 Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the new-born King. Refrain: Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! 4 See Him in a manger laid, Jesus, Lord of heav'n and earth! Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, sing with us our Savior's birth. Refrain: Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
The Hymn Details
| Hymn | Angels We Have Heard on High |
| Year | 1842 |
| Language | English |
| Author | Unknown |
| First Line | Angels We Have Heard on High |
| Famous Tune | Gloria (Trad. French Carol) |
| Tune Composer | Unknown |
| Meter | 7.7.7.7 (With Refrain) |
| Copyright | Public Domain |
Who Wrote Angels We Have Heard on High Lyrics?
The lyrics to “Angels We Have Heard were originally written in French as “Les Anges dans nos campagnes” by an unknown author.
The English translation of the carol, which is the most widely known version today, was translated by James Chadwick, an English Roman Catholic bishop, in the mid-19th century.
The original French lyrics, known as “Les Anges dans nos campagnes,” were published in 1842 in the collection “Choix de cantiques sur des airs nouveaux.”
Chadwick’s translation was published in 1862 in his book “Crown of Jesus Music.”
James Chadwick: Life and Career
James Chadwick was born on October 24, 1813, in Hexham, Northumberland, England.
He was born as the third son of John Chadwick and his Irish wife, Frances Dromgoole.
John Chadwick came from a respected Catholic Lancashire family that had relocated to Ireland.
Education and Career
James Chadwick began his education at Ushaw College in May 1825 and was ordained as a priest on December 17, 1836.
He held various roles at the college, including general prefect, humanities teacher, and professor of philosophy, for five years.
In 1849, Chadwick became vice president of the college and professor of dogmatic theology, but his health declined, leading him to join a group of secular priests dedicated to preaching missions and retreats.
However, their residence in Wooler burned down in 1856, prompting Chadwick’s return to Ushaw as a philosophy professor.
From 1859 to 1863, he served as the chaplain to Lord Stourton, ministering to a small Catholic population.
Bishop Alexander Goss of Liverpool encouraged Chadwick to utilize his talents elsewhere and offered him a position in the seaside resort of Southport.
Nevertheless, Chadwick returned to Ushaw as a professor of pastoral theology.
In 1866, he was elected as the bishop of the diocese and consecrated on October 28 in the college chapel by Archbishop Manning.
Chadwick held the position of bishop for sixteen years, during which he also served as the president of Ushaw for one year in 1877.
He was honored with the title of Assistant to the Papal Throne on June 7, 1867.
Works
Among James Chadwick’s notable works and literary contributions are the English adaptation of the French Christmas carol “Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes,” commonly known as “Angels We Have Heard on High.”
Chadwick’s lyrics, although not a direct translation, show clear inspiration from the original song, resulting in a derivative work.
However, Chadwick’s version has gained much more popularity, especially in the English-speaking world, and is widely recognized and sung.
His translation beautifully captures the original French lyrics’ essence, retaining the carol’s themes of joy, wonder, and adoration.
He published an edition of Leuthner’s “Coelum Christianum” in London in 1871. Chadwick also authored “St. Teresa’s Own Words: Instructions on the Prayer of Recollection” in Newcastle in 1878.
His other notable works include “Instructions on How to Meditate,” which was published anonymously. Additionally, he composed numerous pastoral letters throughout his career.
Later Life
Remembered for his personal dignity, charm, and gentleness of manner, Chadwick passed away in Newcastle on May 14, 1882. He was laid to rest at Ushaw, leaving behind a legacy of service to the Catholic Church.
He also left behind a lasting impact on the world of hymnody through his translation of “Angels We Have Heard on High.”
Final Note
The lyrics to the hymn “Angels We Have Heard on High” encompass the joyful proclamation of the birth of Jesus Christ and the invitation to witness and worship Him.
It portrays the scene of angels singing and shepherds rejoicing upon receiving the glad tidings.
The lyrics evoke a sense of awe and wonder as they invite listeners to come to Bethlehem, behold the newborn King, and join in celebrating the Savior’s birth.
In this hymn, the heavenly chorus of angels singing “Gloria in excelsis Deo” (Glory to God in the highest) resonates through the plains and mountains, spreading the message of divine joy.
The shepherds are filled with curiosity and ask why this jubilee is taking place.
The answer lies in the glorious news they have received, inspiring their heavenly song.
The hymn invites all to journey to Bethlehem to witness the newborn Savior whose birth the angels are celebrating.
The humble setting of Jesus lying in a manger is depicted, emphasizing His role as the Lord of heaven and earth.
Mary and Joseph, as caretakers of the infant Jesus, are urged to join in the song of praise and invite others to do the same.
Through its lyrics, “Angels We Have Heard on High” conveys the significance of Christ’s birth, inviting listeners to adore and worship Him, recognizing His divine nature as the King and Savior.
It serves as a reminder of the joyous event that brought hope and redemption to the world, inspiring believers to join in the celebration and proclaim the glory of God.
Music Score
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