Carol of the Bells
Caroline Pennell Lyrics


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Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say, "Throw cares away
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold"

Ding-dong, ding-dong, that is their song
With joyful ring, all caroling
One seems to hear, words of good cheer
From everywhere, filling the air

Oh, how they pound, raising the sound
O′er hill and dale, telling their tale
Gaily they ring, while people sing
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas

Onward they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home

Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say, "Throw cares away
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold

Ding-dong, ding-dong, that is their song
With joyful ring, all caroling
One seems to hear, words of good cheer
From everywhere, filling the air

Oh, how they pound, raising the sound
O'er hill and dale, telling their tale
Gaily they ring, while people sing
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas

Onward they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home
Onward they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home

Onward they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home
Onward they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home





Onward they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home

Overall Meaning

"Carol of the Bells" is a traditional Christmas carol that originated from Ukraine. Caroline Pennell's rendition of the song captures the enchantment and joy of the holiday season. The lyrics describe the beautiful sounds of bells ringing and how they symbolize the arrival of Christmas. The bells are said to communicate a message of throwing away worries and embracing the spirit of the season. The song emphasizes that Christmas brings good cheer to people of all ages, regardless of their temperament or status.


As the bells chime, their joyful melody fills the air and spreads everywhere, creating a festive atmosphere. The repetition of "ding-dong" and the use of the word "caroling" evoke the image of people singing and celebrating together. The bells not only make a pleasant sound but also convey a message of hope and happiness. The pounding of the bells magnifies their sound, traveling across hills and valleys, narrating tales of Christmas joy.


The notion of Christmas being a time for merriment and cheer is reiterated throughout the lyrics. The repetition of the phrase "Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas" adds to the festive spirit of the song. The bells continue to send their joyful tone to every home, without pause, representing the perpetual joy that Christmas brings.


Overall, "Carol of the Bells" portrays the magic and excitement of the holiday season through its depiction of bells ringing, spreading good cheer, and filling the air with joy.


Line by Line Meaning

Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells
Listen closely to the soft and melodious chimes of the bells, resembling the sound of silver


All seem to say, "Throw cares away
The bells suggest letting go of worries and troubles


Christmas is here, bringing good cheer
The arrival of Christmas fills the atmosphere with joy and happiness


To young and old, meek and the bold
Christmas brings merriment to people of all ages and personalities, whether timid or courageous


Ding-dong, ding-dong, that is their song
The enchanting sound of the bells repeats in a rhythmic and pleasing manner


With joyful ring, all caroling
The bells joyfully resonate, reminiscent of a choir singing


One seems to hear, words of good cheer
It feels as though the air is filled with uplifting and positive messages


From everywhere, filling the air
These messages of joy and delight can be heard all around, permeating the atmosphere


Oh, how they pound, raising the sound
The bells ring with force and intensity, amplifying the volume


O'er hill and dale, telling their tale
The bells traverse over hills and valleys, spreading their story


Gaily they ring, while people sing
The bells chime merrily, accompanied by the joyful singing of people


Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here
These tunes carry a message of happiness, announcing the arrival of Christmas


Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas
Wishing everyone a joyous and celebratory Christmas


Onward they send, on without end
The bells continue to send their joyful tones, without ever stopping


Their joyful tone to every home
The cheerful sound of the bells reaches every household




Writer(s): John Carlo Dwyer, Ronald Alan Mendelsohn, Prince William Leleiohoku, Peter Wilhousky

Contributed by Harper V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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