PagineHark! The Herald Angels Sing is a 1739 Christmas carol that begins “Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King…”. Below are the full public-domain lyrics to print and sing, links to free sheet music, its history and fun actions for kids.
Hark! 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 th’angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun 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!”
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing · words: Charles Wesley (1739), altered by George Whitefield · music: Felix Mendelssohn (1840), adapted by William H. Cummings (1855) · public domain · printed from pagineapp.com
Full hymn and choir arrangements of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing are free because the song is in the public domain. Download them from these non-profit libraries:
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing was written by Charles Wesley in 1739. Its tune comes from a cantata Felix Mendelssohn wrote in 1840; the two were joined by William Cummings in 1855.
Cup your hands to your ears on “Hark!”.
All Christmas carols & songs → · Christmas stories for kids →
The words are by Charles Wesley (1739), altered by George Whitefield and the music is by Felix Mendelssohn (1840), adapted by William H. Cummings (1855); it dates from 1739.
Yes. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is in the public domain, so the lyrics on this page are free to print and sing at home, school or church.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is a good fit for children aged 5+. Try the actions on this page to keep little ones singing along.
🗓️ Updated October 2026