How Songs Are Like Sermons
Jan 24, 2026
Holy, Holy, Is What the Angels Sing
Lyrics
1. There is singing up in heaven
such as we have never known,
Where the angels sing the praises
of the Lamb upon the throne;
Their sweet harps are ever tuneful
and their voices are always clear,
O that we might be more like them
while we serve the Master here!
Refrain
Holy, holy, is what the angels sing,
And I expect to help them make
the courts of heaven ring;
But when I sing redemption’s story,
they will fold their wings,
For angels never felt the joys
that our salvation brings.
2 But I hear another anthem,
blending voices clear and strong,
“Unto Him who hath redeemed us
and hath bought us,” is the song;
We have come thro’ tribulations
to this land so fair and bright,
In the fountain freely flowing
He hath made our garments white.
3 Then the angels stand and listen,
for they cannot join that song,
Like the sound of many waters,
by that happy, blood-washed throng;
For they sing about great trials,
battles fought and vict’ries won,
And they praised the great Redeemer,
who hath said to them, “Well done.”
4 So, although I’m not an angel,
yet I know that over there
I will join a blessed chorus
that the angels cannot share;
I will sing about my Savior,
who upon dark Calvary
Freely pardoned my transgressions,
died to set the sinner free.
such as we have never known,
Where the angels sing the praises
of the Lamb upon the throne;
Their sweet harps are ever tuneful
and their voices are always clear,
O that we might be more like them
while we serve the Master here!
Refrain
Holy, holy, is what the angels sing,
And I expect to help them make
the courts of heaven ring;
But when I sing redemption’s story,
they will fold their wings,
For angels never felt the joys
that our salvation brings.
2 But I hear another anthem,
blending voices clear and strong,
“Unto Him who hath redeemed us
and hath bought us,” is the song;
We have come thro’ tribulations
to this land so fair and bright,
In the fountain freely flowing
He hath made our garments white.
3 Then the angels stand and listen,
for they cannot join that song,
Like the sound of many waters,
by that happy, blood-washed throng;
For they sing about great trials,
battles fought and vict’ries won,
And they praised the great Redeemer,
who hath said to them, “Well done.”
4 So, although I’m not an angel,
yet I know that over there
I will join a blessed chorus
that the angels cannot share;
I will sing about my Savior,
who upon dark Calvary
Freely pardoned my transgressions,
died to set the sinner free.
Bible Reference
Isaiah 6:1-3; Revelation 4:8; Psalm 103:19
About This Hymn
“Holy, Holy, Is What the Angels Sing” is a devotional hymn by Johnson Oatman, Jr. that celebrates the eternal holiness and majesty of God as proclaimed by the heavenly hosts. Written in the late nineteenth century, the hymn draws on vivid biblical imagery of angels praising God, encouraging believers to join in the eternal chorus of worship. Its straightforward language and joyful tone make it suitable for congregational singing, particularly in settings focused on God’s glory, worship, and the vision of heaven.
The hymn begins with the angels’ proclamation, reflecting Isaiah’s vision of God in the temple, where seraphim cried, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:3, KJV). Oatman emphasizes that holiness is central to God’s character, and the constant praise of the angels models the proper response of humanity. Worshipers are invited to lift their voices alongside the heavenly host, affirming God’s supreme perfection and glory.
A central theme of the hymn is participation in divine worship. While angels sing unceasingly, believers are reminded that they too are called to praise God, acknowledging His sovereignty over all creation (Psalm 103:19, KJV). The hymn bridges heaven and earth, showing that the worship of the faithful mirrors the eternal adoration found in God’s presence. The refrain, repeating “Holy, holy,” reinforces this focus and invites joyful, reflective meditation on God’s majesty.
The hymn also looks forward to the ultimate fulfillment of worship in heaven, drawing from Revelation 4:8, where living creatures continually proclaim God’s holiness. This forward-looking perspective encourages perseverance in faith and devotion, reminding believers that earthly praise is both preparation for and participation in eternal worship.
“Holy, Holy, Is What the Angels Sing” remains a cherished hymn for its clarity, biblical grounding, and uplifting message. It inspires congregations to focus on God’s holiness, join in the song of the angels, and cultivate a heart of reverent praise both now and in anticipation of eternity.
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Hymn Information
- Category: Hymn
- Author/Writer: Johnson Oatman (1890)
- Added: January 24, 2026
- Last Updated: January 24, 2026
- Views: 44
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