I Heard the Bells

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play
and wild and sweet, the words repeat
"Peace on earth, good-will to men"

Then, as if an earthquake rent
The hearth stones of the continents
War made forlorn, the households born
For peace on earth, good-will to men

Ring Christmas bells
Do they still ring?
In all the world
Is there a King?

So in despair I bowed my head
"There is no peace on earth," I said
"For hate is strong, and mars the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men"

Ring Christmas bells
We long to sing
In all the world
Where is our King?

Then pealed the bells loud and deep
"God is not dead, nor does He sleep"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep
"God is not dead, nor does He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail, the Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."

Ring Christmas bells
Mightily ring
Tell all the world
Jesus is King

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

I thought how, as the day had come
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along, unbroken songs
Of peace on earth, good-will to men

Ring Christmas bells
Hear them ring
Tell the whole world
Jesus alone is King

Ring Christmas bells
Hear them ring
Tell the whole world
Jesus alone is King