Ding Dong Merrily on High

The singers hear bells in heaven and imagine the sky opening with the sound of angels. The short Latin refrain praises God. Gloria means “glory” and in excelsis means “in the highest”. Hosanna is a cry of praise here.

Where did the bell carol come from?

George Ratcliffe Woodward supplied the English words to an older dance melody. He and Charles Wood included the carol in their 1924 Cambridge Carol Book. In the first verse, verily means “truly” and riv'n means “split open”. 1924 carol book, no. VIII.

How to sing the long Gloria

Hum the winding tune once before adding the word. Let the first vowel of Gloria stretch across the quick notes. With a group, try one singer on the verse and everyone on the refrain.

Find more songs in the Christmas nursery rhymes and carols collection.