The composer of thr Ding Dong Merrily on High Christmas Carol is unknown but the carol is reputed be French dating back to the sixteenth century. The text to Ding Dong Merrily on High was originally in Latin - "Gloria in Excelsis Deo". Children especially enjoy Ding Dong Merrily on High due to the onomatopoeia ( Ding dong – the word conveys the sound) and the breathless state achieved when singing “ Gloria…”
Ding dong merrily on high,
In heav'n 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 evetime song, ye singers.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
