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I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Words and music by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow & John Calkin · 1863

Key of Eb · 84 BPM · 4/4 · Christmas,Hope · Luke 2:14

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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."

Verse 5

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."

Public domain. Free for churches.