Children's Hymnal ‎#159

159. I Heard the Bells

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 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!

Text Information

• First Line: I heard the bells on Christmas day
• Title: I Heard the Bells
• Author: Henry W. Longfellow
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1957
• Topic: Songs Suitable for Primary; Songs Suitable for Juniors; Jesus' Birth; Christmas

Tune Information

• Name: [I heard the bells on Christmas day]
• Composer: J. Baptiste Calkin
• Key: E♭ Major