Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Carol, England (UK)

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is one of the most iconic English Christmas carols, celebrated for its rich theological depth and triumphant melody. The hymn was written by Charles Wesley, a prominent leader of the Methodist movement, and was first published in 1739 in his collection Hymns and Sacred Poems.

Wesley initially intended the carol to be a slow, meditative hymn, reflective of his focus on reverent worship. The original opening line, “Hark how all the welkin rings,” used the now-archaic term “welkin,” meaning “the heavens.” It was later revised to the familiar “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Wesley’s contemporary, George Whitefield, who sought to make the hymn more accessible and celebratory.

The carol’s lyrics were eventually paired with the majestic melody composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840, arranged by William H. Cummings to fit the hymn. This powerful combination of Wesley’s words and Mendelssohn’s music helped solidify “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” as a timeless classic, symbolizing the joyous proclamation of Christ’s birth.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Videos with Lyrics

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Karaoke Video with Lyrics in C

Karaoke Video with Lyrics in D

Lyrics

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 the angelic host proclaim:
“Christ is born in Bethlehem”
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ by highest heav’n 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 man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris’n 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!”

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Hark! The Herald Angels Sing karaoke in G
[Free MP3 download]

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“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” in G (instrumental, 2:37 – 4/4 – 102 bpm)

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Hark! The Herald Angels Sing karaoke in D
[Free MP3 download]

To download your free instrumental mp3 of this song, click or tap on the following button, then choose “Save link as…”

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” in D (instrumental, 2:37 – 4/4 – 102 bpm)

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