The Hymnal for Worship and Celebration ‎#152

152. 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 th'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 W. Longfellow
• Meter: L. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: Christ: Birth

Tune Information

• Name: WALTHAM
• Composer: Jean Baptiste Calkin
• Meter: L. M.
• Key: E♭ Major