Timeless Truths ‎#928

928. 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 on earth, good will to men.

2 And 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 Till 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.

4 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.”

5 Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor does He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With 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 (1864)
• Meter: 8.8.8.8
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:13-14
• Source: Timeless Truths (http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/I_Heard_the_Bells_on_Christmas_Day); The Cyber Hymnal (http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/i/h/iheardtb.htm)

Tune Information

• Name: WALTHAM
• Composer: John B. Calkin (1872)
• Meter: 8.8.8.8
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: Timeless Truths (http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/I_Heard_the_Bells_on_Christmas_Day); The Cyber Hymnal (http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/i/h/iheardtb.htm)