Bells
The Bengsons Lyrics
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I take your hand bring you outside
To see the glory of the lights over astoria
Those pictures you mounted by the door
I can't give you what you had before
I can sing the gloria, the lights over astoria
I know you are alone, I know you can't come home
Bells ring, angels rush in
Through the town down the stair in the cold and the chilly air
The bells are ringing, children singing out of key
In debris, happy in the frost in the parking lots
The bells are ringing, children singing
hey hey hey hey hey
I'll tell you about all the plans we made
Oh, in the thanksgiving day parade
And all the gloria of the lights over astoria
Your papa's hearing aids slowly grow
Your brother's voice suddenly got low
They've set a place for you, everyone's come home to you
You hold them all inside your chest the lonely and the blessed
The bells ring, angels rush in
Through the town down the stair in the cold and the chilly air
The bells are ringing, children singing out of key
In debris, happy in the frost in the parking lots
The bells were ringing, children singing
We missed you so long, we missed you so long
Welcome home again
We missed you so long, we missed you so long
Welcome home again
We missed you so long, we missed you so long
Welcome home
End
The Bengsons' song "Bells" tells a story of loss, loneliness, and reconciliation as the singer reunites with a loved one who has passed away. In the opening verse, the singer takes the hand of the departing loved one and brings them outside to see "the glory of the lights over Astoria," a reference to the brightly-lit neighborhood in Queens, New York. The pictures mounted by the door suggest that the loved one is leaving behind a home and a life, and the singer acknowledges that they can't give them back what they had before. But despite this, the singer can still "sing the gloria" and appreciate the beauty of the lights overhead.
The second verse jumps forward in time, perhaps to a moment after the loved one's funeral or memorial service. The bells are ringing, and children are singing out of key, creating a scene of joy and celebration in the midst of debris and frost. The singer recalls plans made with the loved one for the Thanksgiving Day parade, and the fact that even though they are no longer present, they are still remembered and missed. The final lines suggest that the loved one is still present in the hearts of those who hold them close, and that their memory will continue to ring out like the bells that call angels to hasten down.
Overall, "Bells" is a poignant tribute to loss, memory, and love that transcends death.
Line by Line Meaning
I see your hand by your side
I notice that you are feeling lonely and disconnected
I take your hand bring you outside
I want to connect with you and show you the beauty of the world outside
To see the glory of the lights over astoria
To help you find beauty and meaning in life, even amidst the darkness
Those pictures you mounted by the door
I acknowledge and respect the memories that you hold dear
I can't give you what you had before
I understand that I can't replace what you've lost, but I want to support you in finding new sources of joy
I can sing the gloria, the lights over astoria
I can offer you music and art as sources of comfort and inspiration
I know you are alone, I know you can't come home
I understand that you are struggling, and I want to offer you support and companionship
Bells ring, angels rush in
There is hope and redemption available, even in the midst of pain and hardship
Through the town down the stair in the cold and the chilly air
Life can be difficult and uncomfortable, but there is still beauty to be found
The bells are ringing, children singing out of key
Even imperfect music and imperfect voices can bring joy and meaning to life
In debris, happy in the frost in the parking lots
Even in difficult circumstances, there can still be moments of joy and connection
I'll tell you about all the plans we made
I want to share my dreams and aspirations with you, and help you find hope for the future
Oh, in the thanksgiving day parade
I want to celebrate life and all of its blessings with you, even in the midst of difficulty
And all the gloria of the lights over astoria
There is still beauty and wonder to be found in the world, even in the darkest of times
Your papa's hearing aids slowly grow
Even as we age and experience physical decline, there is still life and vitality to be found
Your brother's voice suddenly got low
We all experience moments of sadness and grief, but we can still find a way through
They've set a place for you, everyone's come home to you
You are still loved and valued, and there is a place for you in the world
You hold them all inside your chest the lonely and the blessed
You carry the memories and experiences of your loved ones with you, both the happy and the sad
We missed you so long, we missed you so long
We have been waiting and hoping for you to come back to us for a long time
Welcome home again
We are overjoyed to have you back with us once more
Welcome home
You are loved and valued, and we are glad to have you here with us
Contributed by Charlotte H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.