I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

For this selection I have combined an original melody with a single line from the familiar tune by John Baptiste Calkin. The lyrics are the work of American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The poem, titled "Christmas Bells," is somewhat longer, and the selected stanzas were rearranged when Calkin set them to music. The lyrics are presented below as they appear on the sheet music for this arrangement.

Scores

SATB: PDF / .pc
Medium-voice solo: PDF / .pc
Flute obbligato: PDF / .pc

Lyrics

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth
Peace on earth

I thought how as the day had come
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth
Peace on earth
Peace on earth, good will to men

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
Peace on earth

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
Peace on earth"

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth
Peace on earth
Peace on earth, good will to men

 

Recordings

MP3 Recording by James Loynes:
  Download

MP3 Accompaniment Track (first verse is a capella):
  Download

CD: His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful


MP3 Recording by Heather Prusse:
  Download

MP3 Accompaniment Track:
  Download

CD: Promised Savior, Promised King

 
 

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