Gloria
Gloria: Reveling in Heavenly Joy and the Birth of a King
Lyrics
VERSE 1:
Introduction to the song structure
Angels we have heard on high
Reference to angels singing loudly
Sweetly singing o'er the plains,
Describes the angels singing sweetly over the plains
And the mountains in reply
The mountains echoing the joyous strains of the angels
Echo back their joyous strains.
Continuation of the description of the joyful scene
REFRAIN:
Transition to the refrain section
Gloria
Repetition of the word "Gloria" (Glory in Latin)
Gloria
Continuation of the refrain, emphasizing glory
VERSE 2:
Introduction to the second verse
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Question to the shepherds about the reason for their jubilation
Why your joyous strains prolong?
Asking why the shepherds are prolonging their joyous singing
What the gladsome tidings be
Curiosity about the glad tidings inspiring the heavenly song
Which inspire your heav'nly song
Recognition of the inspiration behind the shepherds' song
REFRAIN:
Return to the refrain with the repetition of "Gloria"
Gloria
Continuation of emphasizing glory in the refrain
Gloria
Repetition of the word "Gloria" for emphasis
BRIDGE:
Transition to the bridge section
There’s a peace for those
Reference to a peace available for those who find joy in God
Who find His joy
Further emphasis on finding joy in God's hope
Hallelujah, God our hope
Expression of praise with "Hallelujah" and acknowledgment of God's hope
BRIDGE 2
Introduction to the second bridge
So we raise our praise
Declaration of raising praise and giving glory to God's name
Glory to His name
Repetition of the declaration to give glory to God's name
In excelsis Deo
Inclusion of "In excelsis Deo" (Latin for "In the highest to God")
In excelsis Deo
Repetition of "In excelsis Deo" for emphasis
In excelsis Deo
Continued repetition of "In excelsis Deo" for emphasis
VERSE 3:
Introduction to the third verse
Come to Bethlehem and see
Invitation to come to Bethlehem and witness the angels' proclaimed birth
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Encouragement to see the newborn whose birth the angels celebrate
Come, adore on bended knee
Call to adore the newborn King on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King
Identification of the newborn as Christ the Lord
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