Complete Anglican Hymns Old and New ‎#148

148. Ding dong, merrily on high

1 Ding dong, merrily on high!
In heav’n the bells are ringing;
ding dong, verily the sky
is riv’n with angel singing.
Gloria, hosannah in excelsis!
Gloria, hosannah in excelsis!

2 E'en so here below, below,
let steeple bells be swungen,
And io, io, io,
by priest and people sungen.
Gloria, hosannah in excelsis!
Gloria, hosannah in excelsis!

3 Pray ye dutifully prime
your matin chime, ye ringers;
may ye beautifully rhyme
your evetime song, ye singers.
Gloria, hosannah in excelsis!
Gloria, hosannah in excelsis!

Text Information

• First Line: Ding dong, merrily on high!
• Title: Ding dong, merrily on high
• Author: George Ratcliffe Woodward, 1848-1934
• Refrain First Line: Gloria, hosanna in excelsis
• Meter: 77 77 and Refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2000
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:13-14
• Topic: Christmas; Years A, B, and C: Christmas Day
• Copyright: © SPCK, Holy Trinity Church
• Notes: Now Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: BRANSLE DE L'OFFICIAL
• Arranger: Charles Wood, 1866-1926
• Arranger (alternative refrain): Colin Hand
• Meter: 77 77 and Refrain
• Key: G Major
• Source: Traditional French melody
• Copyright: Alternate Refrain © 1994 Kevin Mayhew Ltd.
• Notes: An easier setting of the refrain is included