Hark The Herald Angels Sing lyrics
Celtic WomanHark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations rise;
Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic host proclaim
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see;
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King"
Hail! the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail! the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King"
Joyful, all ye nations rise;
Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic host proclaim
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Song Details
Composer: Felix Mendelssohn (1840) - The melody comes from Mendelssohn's composition, Festgesang (also known as Gutenberg Cantata), which was originally written to celebrate Johann Gutenberg and the invention of the printing press.
Born: Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy on 3rd February, 1809 in Hamburg, Germany
Died: 4th November, 1847
Occupation: Composer, pianist, organist and conductor of the early Romantic period.
Musical Adaptations: William H. Cummings (1855)
Lyricist: Charles Wesley (1739)
Born: 18th Nov, 1707 in Epworth, Lincolnshire, England
Died: 29th March, 1788 (aged 80) in London, England
Occupation: Cleric and hymn writer, often associated with Methodism.
Original Lyrics: The original opening line was "Hark! how all the welkin rings" (welkin meaning "heavens").
Lyrical Adaptations: George Whitefield (1758). Whitefield was a contemporary of Wesley, and altered the opening line to the now-familiar "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", among other modifications, making the hymn more widely accessible and popular.
Summary of Adaptations:
The final version of the carol is a collaboration across time:
- Lyrics: Written by Charles Wesley (1739), revised by George Whitefield (1758).
- Music: Composed by Felix Mendelssohn (1840), adapted by William H. Cummings (1855).
Brief: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely sung during the Christmas season.
The song begins with the title phrase, which is an exclamation to pay attention and listen to the joyful news being announced. The angels in the song refer to the heavenly messengers who proclaimed the birth of Jesus to the shepherds in Bethlehem.
The lyrics go on to praise and glorify the newborn Saviour, Jesus Christ, referred to as the "newborn King" and the "Incarnate Deity" who brings peace and mercy to humanity. The song reflects on the significance of Jesus' birth, proclaiming Him as the "Prince of Peace" and the "Son of Righteousness" who brings light and life to the world.
Featured Artists : Celtic Woman - female Irish musical ensemble, formed in 2004.
Album: Celtic Woman: Home for Christmas (Oct 9, 2012)
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