“Angels We Have Heard on High” is a cherished Christmas carol that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, inspired by the biblical account in Luke 2:8–15.
The carol is set to the hymn tune “Gloria,” derived from a traditional French song called “Les Anges dans nos campagnes.”
The English lyrics were paraphrased by James Chadwick in 1862, and the song features a memorable refrain of “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” which translates to “Glory to God in the highest.”
Angels We Have Heard on High Lyrics
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
Say what may the tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song
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 newborn King
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria in excelsis Deo
See within in a manger laid
Jesus Lord of Heav’n and Earth
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid
With us sing our Savior’s birth
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria in excelsis Deo