Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: singer-songwriter
Song Meaning of “Angels We Have Heard On High” by Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens’ rendition of the beloved classic hymn “Angels We Have Heard On High” opens up with the angelic voices singing in perfect harmony, invoking a sense of joy and awe at the miraculous sight of the angels coming down from Heaven. The poetic lyrics tell the story of the shepherds in the field being witness to the wondrous sight of a multitude of angelic hosts descending from above. The song explores the idea of a divine intervention from above, with the angels ushering in a new era of hope and celebration for the shepherds in the field.
The lyrics throughout the song are uplifting and evoke a sense of hope in the midst of despair. The chorus in particular helps to emphasize this, as the lyrics implore the listener to “gloria, in excelsis deo.” This phrase translates to “glory to God in the highest,” implying that the angelic singing is not merely for entertainment, but for praise of the divine and recognition of our God’s awe-inspiring magnitude.
The peaceful music and angelic singing add to the overall message of the song, conveying a sense of joy and hope at the divine intervention from Heaven. The song encourages us to look up towards the Heavens, to not be held down by our worries and fears, and to embrace the glorious spirit of Christmas joy.