I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day ================================== Three tune variations, with intro and coda First tune: Herongate (Traditional) Second tune: John D. Marks, 1956 Third tune: John Baptiste Calkin, ca, 1864 w: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Meter: L.M. [Verse 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. [Verse 2] 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. [Verse 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.” {Optional Verses} [Verse 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.” [Verse 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!