Sixpence None the Richer - Angels We Have Heard On High Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who originally wrote the lyrics for 'Angels We Have Heard On High'?

   The lyrics for 'Angels We Have Heard On High' were originally written by James Chadwick. He was a Roman Catholic Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle in northeast England and created this English version of the carol in 1862, loosely based on a traditional French carol.

2. What is the origin of the melody used in 'Angels We Have Heard On High'?

   The melody used in 'Angels We Have Heard On High' is attributed to the hymn tune 'Gloria', which originated from a French carol. The first known publication of this traditional French carol, 'Les Anges dans nos campagnes', was in 1842.

3. How does Sixpence None the Richer's version differ from the traditional lyrics?

   Sixpence None the Richer's version of 'Angels We Have Heard On High' remains largely faithful to James Chadwick's original version but includes slight variations in wording. For example, lines like 'Singing sweetly through the night' replace original lines, adding a distinct flavor to their rendition.

4. What is the most distinctive feature of the song's chorus?

   The most distinctive feature of 'Angels We Have Heard On High' is its chorus, 'Gloria in excelsis Deo'. The 'o' of 'Gloria' is fluidly sustained through a 16-note melismatic melodic sequence, creating a memorable musical passage that is widely recognized.

5. What scene from the Bible does 'Angels We Have Heard On High' depict?

   The song 'Angels We Have Heard On High' depicts the scene from the Gospel of Luke, which narrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It specifically describes the encounter of shepherds near Bethlehem with a multitude of angels singing and praising the newborn child.