Sing!
Glo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-oria
In excelsis De-eo
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoin' their joyous strains, yeah
Shepherds why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your Heav'nly song? Yeah
Sing!
Glo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-oria
In excelsis Deo
Glo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-oria
(Gloria)
In excelsis De-eo
One, two, three!
Sing!
See Him in a manger lay
Whom the choir of angels praise
Mary, Joseph lend your aid
While our hearts in love we raise
Sing!
Glo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-oria
In excelsis Deo
(Everybody!)
Glo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-oria
(Gloria)
In excelsis De-eo
Come adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King
Come adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King
(The newborn, newborn King)
Come adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King
Come adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King
(The newborn, newborn King)
Come adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King
Come adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King
Angels We Have Heard On High
Angels We Have Heard On High Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
for KING & COUNTRY brings a vibrant and energetic take to the timeless Christmas carol, "Angels We Have Heard On High." Released in 2020, this version captures the grandeur and joy of the original hymn while infusing it with the duo's signature percussive rhythms, powerful vocals, and layered production. The traditional melody remains central, carrying the familiar narrative of the angels' glorious proclamation and the shepherds' response, but it is amplified by a dynamic arrangement that builds in intensity, making the iconic "Gloria" chorus particularly impactful and celebratory.
The lyrics recount the miraculous events of the first Christmas night. They begin by setting the scene, describing the angels singing "sweetly o'er the plains," a sound so powerful it causes the mountains to echo their "joyous strains." This imagery draws directly from the biblical account found in Luke 2:8-14, where shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night are visited by an angel of the Lord, followed by a "multitude of the heavenly host praising God." The song then poses a question from the perspective of an observer to the shepherds: "Shepherds why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?" This reflects the shepherds' enthusiastic reaction upon hearing the good news and witnessing the heavenly choir.
The narrative progresses to reveal the reason for the celebration: "See Him in a manger lay, Whom the choir of angels praise." This line points to the humble birthplace of Jesus Christ, as described in Luke 2:15-16, where the shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. The song then extends an invitation, first to Mary and Joseph to "lend your aid," and then a broader call to all: "Come adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King." This is an invitation to worship and acknowledge the divine significance of the child, recognizing Him not merely as a baby but as the promised Messiah, the King.
Central to the song is the repeated Latin refrain, "Glo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-oria in excelsis Deo," which translates to "Glory to God in the highest." This phrase is taken directly from the angels' song in Luke 2:14 and serves as the triumphant heart of the carol. for KING & COUNTRY emphasizes this refrain, stretching the "Gloria" over many notes, allowing its weight and significance to resonate. The repetition and the call for "Everybody!" to join in underscore the universal and communal nature of the praise due to God for sending His Son. The song, therefore, is not just a retelling of an ancient story but a present-day call to join the heavenly host and the shepherds in proclaiming the glory of God for the birth of Christ.
