PagineAngels We Have Heard on High is a 1862 Christmas carol that begins “Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o’er the plains…”. Below are the full public-domain lyrics to print and sing, links to free sheet music, its history and fun actions for kids.
Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
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?
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Angels We Have Heard on High · words: Traditional French carol “Les Anges dans nos campagnes”; English translation James Chadwick (1862) · music: Traditional French (“Gloria”) · public domain · printed from pagineapp.com
Full hymn and choir arrangements of Angels We Have Heard on High are free because the song is in the public domain. Download them from these non-profit libraries:
Angels We Have Heard on High comes from the French carol “Les Anges dans nos campagnes”. Its famous long “Gloria” is a fun challenge for young singers to hold.
See who can hold the long “Glo-o-o-o-ria” without taking a breath!
All Christmas carols & songs → · Christmas stories for kids →
The words are by Traditional French carol “Les Anges dans nos campagnes”; English translation James Chadwick (1862) and the music is a traditional french (“gloria”); it dates from 1862.
Yes. Angels We Have Heard on High is in the public domain, so the lyrics on this page are free to print and sing at home, school or church.
Angels We Have Heard on High is a good fit for children aged 4+. Try the actions on this page to keep little ones singing along.
🗓️ Updated October 2026