Saturday, December 17, 2005

I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY...



Here are the words of the other Christmas song/carol I mentioned. An amazing and touching history of how Longfellow came to write the poem is found here, along with two verses referring to the Civil War, which were omitted when the poem was set to music and presented for public use. And if you don't know the music, you can hear it here. There is another tune, but I haven't been able to find it on the web.
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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.

I 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.

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."

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.

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