For Christmas Eve
Words: Vom Himmel hoch o Engel kommt, Martin Luther, 1535
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).
Note: For notes and other translations, see Vom Himmel hoch, o Engel kommt.
