"Angels We Have Heard on High"

The popular traditional religious Christmas carol "Angels We Have Heard on High" was originally a traditional French carol known as "Les Anges dans nos Campagnes," which translates literally to "The Angels in our Countryside." It was translated from French to English by James Chadwick in Crown of Jesus in 1862. The music, a hymn titled "Gloria," was arranged by Edwin S. Barnes. The combination of the two was first published together in a carol collection dated 1855.

The song, which is about the birth of Christ, is a favorite all over the world.

"Angels We Have Heard on High"

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!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?

Repeat refrain

Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Repeat refrain

See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.

Repeat refrain

Source: Public domain

The carol has been covered by artists from just about every style of music. From Josh Groban, Billy Gilman and Brian Culbertson to Bing Crosby, Joan Baez and Olivia Newton-John -- secular artists have done the song justice for years. As for Christian artists, there are several great versions out there for your listening enjoyment. The Top Christian versions of the carol are found in the following list ...

• Top 10 Versions of "Angels We Have Heard on High" by Christian Artists and Bands