The Army and Navy Hymnal/Hymns/I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow(Waltham by John Baptiste Calkin)

For other versions of this work, see Christmas Bells.

For other versions of this work, see Waltham.

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.
   
2. I 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.
   
3. 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.'
   
4. 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:'
   
5. 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!
   A-men.