From Heaven High, O Angels, Come

Susani -- one of the oldest German rocking carols.
Early versions date back to the fourteenth century.

Words: Vom Himmel hoch o Engel kommt, Words and Music unknown
from Auserlesne catholische geisliche Kirchengesange (1623)

MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / XML

Text based on Luke 2: 1-18

Translator: Unknown

Source: Maria Augusta Trapp, Around the Year with the Trapp Family (New York: Pantheon, 1955)

1. From heaven high, O angels, come,
Eya, eya, susani, susani, susani.
Come music, song, come pipe and drum,
Alleluia, alleluia. Of Jesus sing and Maria.

2. Let every instrument join in,
Eya, eya, susani, susani, susani.
Bring lute and harp and violin,
Alleluia, alleluia. Of Jesus sing and Maria.

3. Send forth your voices louder yet,
Eya, eya, susani, susani, susani.
With organ and with flageolet,
Alleluia, alleluia. Of Jesus sing and Maria.

4. How heavenly must the music be,
Eya, eya, susani, susani, susani.
Because a heavenly Child is He,
Alleluia, alleluia. Of Jesus sing and Maria.

5. To men on earth all peace may be,
Eya, eya, susani, susani, susani.
And praise to God eternally,
Alleluia, alleluia. Of Jesus sing and Maria.

For a discussion of the similarities and differences between "Susani" and "Susanni", see William Studwell, The Christmas Carol Reader (New York: Harrington Park Press, 1995).

If you would like to help support Hymns and Carols of Christmas, please click on the button below and make a donation.

Related Hymns and Carols