Ding Dong Merrily on High - Traditional

Ding dong merrily on high,
In heaven the bells are ringing;
Ding dong, verily the sky
Is riv'n with angel singing.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

E'en so here below, below,
Let steeple bells be swungen,
And io, io, io,
By priest and people sungen.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers;
May you beautifully rime
Your eve-time song, ye singers.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

Ding Dong Merrily on High lyrics were written by George Ratcliffe Woodward to a 16th-century dance tune. The song is famous for its long and melismatic Gloria which mimics the joyful pealing of bells. It calls on the priest and people to join in the audible celebration of the Saviors birth. By singing the Ding Dong Merrily on High lyrics the congregation expresses a vibrant and festive joy that bridges the gap between historical dance music and sacred liturgy making the news of Christmas a cause for public and uncontained gladness.