Words to song, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”

Dear Readers,

Some have asked about the song I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, that I included in my recent book and in my last post. It was written as a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1863 after his son died in the Union Army during the Civil War. Many verses are in his first long poem. Later, when it was later put to music, a variety of verses are used. Here are the four verses from the children’s CD (Golden Books Music, Christmas Carols, 15 Fun Songs for Kids) that I have. To hear the tune, the music can be found on many places on the internet.

I heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet their words repeat,

Of Peace on Earth, goodwill 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, goodwill to men.

Then pealed the bells more loud and sweet,

“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep,”

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,

With peace on Earth, goodwill to men.