al jarreau
gloria in excelsis
Oh blessed town Of Bethlehem Within thy gray Green shade Ringed round With Terraced vineyard And depth Of olive glade There on thy high Green pastures The shepherds Watch their sheep The low large moon Shines glim'ring O'er all The upland steep What music Of the heavens What magic song Of bliss What vision Of the night-tide What mystic light Is this? The silly sheep Are blinded The shepherds In amaze Stand awe-struck All the hillside With glory Is abaze The angels' Joyous Rings out Into the night Oh Gloria In excelsis Sing praises In the height Sing praises Men of Bethlehem Sing praises Here below For peace On Earth And goodwill He doth On your bestow For on this day Is born there Within Your little town A Child Who Christ The Lord is Yet wears No earthly crown He bringeth joy And gladness To you And all mankind Yea Peace on earth And good-will To men Of equal mind Oh blessed town Of Bethlehem How happy Is thy state How blest Above all palaces The stable At thy gate For there In manger-cradle (Oh true the angel word) As King enthroned Of all the worlds Reigns Jesus Christ The Lord