Hymns for a Pilgrim People ‎#126

126. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

1 I heard the bells on Christmas day,
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace of earth, good will to men.

2 I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

3 And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

4 Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

5 Then ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day--
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

Text Information

• First Line: I heard the bells on Christmas day
• Title: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
• Author: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1824-1884
• Adapter: John Marks
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2007
• Scripture:
  Micah 5:5
• Topic: Christmas; Jesus Christ

Tune Information

• Name: JOHN MARKS
• Composer: John Marks
• Meter: LM
• Key: F Major