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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 in the United States (best-effort). Free for every use, including commercial — no license needed. Other countries may differ.