I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

[KRUG]

https://app.box.com/s/81el781tpcokedh8iz8bnlsjh683wpsf

Baptiste Calkin wrote the music for Longfellows poem, (perhaps you remember Hiawatha and his "fur side inside" etc.) to make what is most definitely a political statement of a Christmas carol. He mocks the Christmas message of Peace on Earth, good-will to men in much the same way as we could over the trouble spots in the Middle East. In the last two verses he provides us with hope.
When I recorded this I played only the six verses in my book which leaves me a couple of verses short but if you feel the need you can always play it twice!!

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!

And 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!

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!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of 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, good-will to men!"

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."

And the bells they're ringing (Peace on Earth)
Like a choir they're singing (Peace on Earth)
And with our hearts we'll hear them
Peace on earth, good will to men

Do you hear the bells they're ringing? (Peace on Earth)
The life the angels singing (Peace on Earth)
Open up your heart and hear them (Peace on Earth)
Peace on earth, good will to men

Peace on earth, Peace on earth
Peace on earth, Good will to men

Keith

[Brian007]

Hi Keith,

That was a real nice Christmas song which I enjoyed listening to and with some real good Christmas voices in it.

Brian007

[JohnT]

Hi Keith. Got the lights up and working. Back from allotment and visiting Bobby who is okay. Enjoyed the Xmas bells and a nice tune which I have not heard. I must try and do a post. John

[KRUG]

Hi John and Brian,
Thanks for the comments.

Keith