The lyrics are about the death of musician Jonathan Melvoin (1961–1996) from a heroin overdose,[1] as McLachlan explained on VH1 Storytellers.

[5][4][6] She said that she identified with the feelings that might lead someone to use heroin: "I've been in that place where you've messed up and you're so lost that you don't know who you are anymore, and you're miserable—and here's this escape route.

Released as a single on 28 September 1998,[9] "Angel" peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 on 22 February 1999 (spending 19 weeks in the top 10),[10] finishing as the 18th-most popular song of the year.

The show was televised on Fox TV and released on the DVD Supernatural Live – An Evening with Carlos Santana and Friends.

On 23 November 2008, Sarah McLachlan performed "Angel" at the American Music Awards with artist Pink.

On 21 May 2019, McLachlan sang "Angel" on the sixteenth season of the US competition series The Voice as a duet with the eventual winner of the show, Maelyn Jarmon.

On 21 April 2020, McLachlan and her daughter, India Sood, performed a duet, posted to Facebook, as a response to the killing spree in Nova Scotia.

According to Vivian Rashotte of CBC Radio, "With its sombre melody and heart-wrenching lyrics, Angel quickly became the unofficial anthem of mourning following tragic events, such as the death of Princess Diana in 1997, the 1999 Columbine High School massacre and the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Today, it's recognized as the de facto song of sorrow and healing for both public and private experiences of loss.