Community of Christ Sings ‎#415

415. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

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1 I heard the bells on Christmas Day
their old familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet the words repeat
of peace of earth, goodwill 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, goodwill 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, goodwill 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, goodwill 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, goodwill 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, 1807-1882
• Meter: 8.8.8.8. (L.M.)
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  Isaiah 12:2
  ;
  Luke 2:14
• Topic: Christmas; Lament; Peace on Earth

Tune Information

• Name: WALTHAM
• Composer: J. Baptiste Calkin
• Meter: 8.8.8.8. (L.M.)
• Key: E♭ Major