Lyrics
Oh
Expression of surprise or wonder
(Let's go everybody)
Invitation or encouragement to everyone
Angels we have heard on high
Acknowledging the presence of angels with a joyful tone
Sweetly swinging o'er the plains
Describing the angels' movements with sweetness over the plains
And the mountains in reply
Mentioning the mountains echoing in response to the angels
Echoing their joyous strains, oh
Continuing to express the joyous nature of the angels' strains
Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Latin phrase meaning "Glory to God in the highest"
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Addressing shepherds and questioning the reason for their jubilation
Why your joyous songs prolong?
Asking why the shepherds are prolonging their joyous songs
What the gladsome tidings be
Asking about the joyful news that inspires their heavenly song
That inspire your heavenly song, oh
Continuing to express curiosity about the inspiration behind the song
Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Repeating the Latin phrase meaning "Glory to God in the highest"
Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Reiterating the glorification of God in the highest
Come to Bethlehem and see
Inviting others to come to Bethlehem and witness something
Him whose birth the angels sing
Referring to the birth of someone whose arrival is celebrated by angels
Come, adore on bended knee
Encouraging adoration on bended knee for Christ the Lord
Christ the Lord, the newborn King
Identifying Christ as the newborn King
Come to Bethlehem and see
Repeating the invitation to come to Bethlehem and witness
Him whose birth the angels sing
Reiterating the birth of someone celebrated by angels
Come, adore on bended knee
Encouraging adoration on bended knee for Christ the Lord
Christ the Lord, the newborn King
Reaffirming Christ as the newborn King
Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Repeating the Latin phrase meaning "Glory to God in the highest"
Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Reiterating the glorification of God in the highest
Come to Bethlehem and see
Repeating the invitation to come to Bethlehem and witness
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