The Angels Came to Sing
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2: 13-14 KJV
About the Song
After taking a few years off writing my (supposedly) annual “Christmas Card Carol,” (because … **blushes**… I didn’t manage to send Christmas cards at all) I decided to try sending my Christmas greetings by e-mail, as I’m better with a computer than a pen. Most conveniently, this little lullaby sang itself to me at 4:30 one morning, and begged to be attached to just such an electronic greeting.
Songs meant for little children’s ears are usually fun to compose, and this one was no exception. You need not study for words of four syllables–simple language is best, and the melody can be as sweet as you care to make it.
So with all my bests wishes for a wonderful holiday season, here is 2005’s Christmas Card Carol. May your Christmas be filled with angel song.
December 2017: … twelve years later… I’ve added an updated solo version, Solo 3, which is part of my Children’s Album. The third verse has been turned into a bridge for this version, and the recording below by Allyse Smith Taylor uses this score. It includes optional bells, but there isn’t an orchestra score, since the “orchestra” in the recording lives in my computer and was improvised on a keyboard. 🙂
Sheet Music Downloads
PDF:
(Also included in the “My Heart Sings”elementary piano book.)
Personal Composer:
Transpose/resize .pc files using the Personal Composer Demo. (Help)
Spotify, Soundcloud (inc. free downloads)
Click the 
to download the free track for personal use.
Recording featuring vocals by Allyse Smith Taylor:
Accompaniment track:
Apple Music, Amazon
These files may be copied/shared in any quantity in any physical format unless otherwise noted. They may not be re-sold or offered for download.
YouTube
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Lyrics
There was starlight round his cradle
There was music on the air
Mary knelt to hush her baby
Joseph watched beside her there
Chorus:
Jesus lay in lowly manger
Sent from God to be our King
‘Twas for Him the star was gleaming
And the angels came to sing
There were cattle round his cradle
Ox and lamb were standing nigh
Softest hay became his pillow
Angel song his lullaby
(Repeat chorus)
There were shepherds round his cradle
Come to worship and adore
There were wise men on their journey
Led by heaven’s brightest star
(Repeat chorus)
Heaven watches o’er each cradle
O’er each cradle heaven smiles
For the Lord of earth and heaven
Was himself a little child
Oh remember how that baby
Came from God to be our King
‘Twas for Him the star was gleaming
And the angels came to sing
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17 Comments
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I discovered this song while Covid was still raging in November 2021. I had a family of kids with the last name “Lamb.” I listened to this song after I prayed and while I wept. It has a beauty and simplicity painting a scene of the first Christmas night. So for our Christmas program on the Sunday before Christmas 2021, the “Little Lambs” wore white and sang this song. It still makes me cry. Thank you for this sweet new Christmas Carol.
I’m not sure where the downloaded music goes to on my iPhone I have looked in my files but haven’t found it nor in iTunes.
As I followed along with this recording the music I downloaded is different than what is being played while she’s singing. Where can I find the version that was played in the recording?
I would love parts for violin and viola if possible.
This is the second time I’ve tried to submit this–
Regarding Angels Came to Sing–
Why is the recording in the key of C
and the notation in the key of Eb?
Are the string parts available?
Stan, comments don’t appear here instantly. I have to review each comment personally to be sure that what gets posted is safe and civil. Sorry for the delay. I actually thought I was doing pretty well to get to it in less than 24 hours. 😉
The recording is in the key of C major. The score on the “Sheet Music Downloads” tab above labeled “Solo 3: The Angels Came To Sing (Low) with optional bells (PDF)” is the score used to produce the recording.
It includes optional bells, but there isn’t an orchestra score since the “orchestra” in the recording lives in my computer and was improvised on a keyboard.
I found this amazing would it be ok to use it forms performance with the Great British home chorus please X
I heard this sung last Sunday. As always – a beautiful song to warm our hearts to the birth of our Savior. Thank you for sharing your amazing gift and talent.
Is there a violin part?
Sally,
Once again, this is such a beautiful piece of music. You are truly talented. Thank you so much for sharing your gift. I noticed in the comments above that people were asking if there was a duet version. Is there one. I would love to have a duet do this for our Sacrament meeting Christmas Program. I feel it would really bring the Spirit. If not, we will make this beautiful solo do.
I would also love a copy of the duet if you still have it.
This is a very sensitive and moving rendition of this special song about the first coming of Christ. The melody so gently supports the meaningful word-story of Christmas. Thank you for this.
I so enjoy your music! i had this song noted for personal liking. On the website previously there was an audio option. I dont see one now. what or where can i listen to this song..i cant remember which singer did the song
I taught this to the Congaree Ward Primary last Christmas and they sang it in sacrament. It was as if a heavenly choir of angels were singing. I love this song and the children loved performing it. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful talent with the world! God bless you. Though early, have a blessed Christmas, as you have been able to bring the spirit of Christmas to so many of us through your lyrics and music.
BEAUTIFUL! I sang this as a solo for special music at church and got many comments for both the lyrics and the music. I’d encourage anyone to print this song for use – it’s a keeper.
Love this song! Beautiful melody and the way it tells that all the miricals that happend at his birth were for our our savior Jesus Christ. Also love the way away in the manger has been worked into the piano. I’ve sang this twice. Last year as a solo and this year as a duet. We made up our own harmony and I must say I think it is even more beautiful as a duet! Would love to send it to Sally if she would like it!
I would love a copy of the duet version if you still have it! I’ve been searching and searching for one. I’ve tried writing in my own harmonies but that is not my forte.
Thanks!
joslin_d@hotmail.com