The Twelve Days of Christmas
The Pennsylvanians Lyrics
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Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet, the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men
I thought as now this day had come
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rung so long the unbroken song
(Peace on earth, good will 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, good will to men
Then peeled 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
(Ding dong, ding dong)
(Ding dong, ding dong)
(Ding)
The lyrics of the song "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" by The Pennsylvanians & Fred Waring reflect upon the contrasting emotions and themes associated with Christmas.
In the first verse, the singer hears the familiar sound of Christmas bells and the traditional carols that accompany them. The repetition of the words "peace on earth, good will to men" adds to the comforting and joyful atmosphere typically associated with the holiday season. Here, the bells symbolize the hope and belief in a world filled with harmony and love.
However, the second verse takes a turn as the singer reflects on the reality of the world they live in. Despite the festive ambiance, they recognize that peace on earth seems elusive. The belfries, or bell towers, of churches across Christendom have rung for ages, seemingly carrying the same message of peace, yet the world remains plagued by hate and discord. This realization gives way to a moment of despair.
The third verse explores the singer's state of mind as they bow their head in despair, acknowledging the absence of peace in the present moment. The strength of hate and the way it mocks the ideals of peace become apparent. The contrast between the celebrations and the harsh realities of life becomes stark, intensifying the emotional impact of the lyrics.
However, the final verse brings a glimmer of hope. The bells resound even louder and deeper, symbolizing the voice of God. The lyrics proclaim that God is not dead nor asleep; He is aware of the wrongs in the world and will ensure that they ultimately fail. In the end, it is the right and just principles that will prevail, bringing the desired peace on earth and goodwill to all men.
The addition of the onomatopoeic "ding dong" towards the end of the song serves to emphasize the victorious tone and reinforce the idea of the bells proclaiming hope and triumph over despair and hatred. It invites the listener to join in the celebration and belief in a better future.
Overall, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" is a profound reflection on the contradictory feelings that can arise during the Christmas season - from the initial joy and hope to the somber recognition of the world's troubles, and ultimately, the reminder of the enduring power of faith and the possibility for a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard the bells on Christmas day
I listened to the ringing of the bells on the day of Christmas
Their old familiar carols play
They played the well-known songs that are traditionally associated with Christmas
And wild and sweet, the words repeat
The lyrics were filled with passion and tenderness, and they were being sung again and again
Of peace on earth, good will to men
The words conveyed a message of harmony and kindness towards all people
I thought as now this day had come
At that moment, I considered that since this day had arrived
The belfries of all Christendom
The bell towers of all Christian churches
Had rung so long the unbroken song
Had been ringing for a long time, expressing an uninterrupted melody
Of peace on earth, good will to men
That promotes peace and goodwill among people
And in despair I bowed my head
Feeling hopeless and dejected, I lowered my head
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
I stated, with disappointment, that there is no harmony on Earth
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Because hatred is powerful and ridicules the message
Of peace on earth, good will to men
Of peace and kindness towards humanity
Then peeled the bells more loud and deep
Suddenly, the bells rang out with a stronger and deeper sound
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep
God is alive and awake, not dormant or deceased
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
The forces of injustice and wrongdoing will be defeated, and righteousness will emerge victorious
With peace on earth, good will to men
Resulting in a state of peaceful coexistence and compassionate actions towards all people
(Ding dong, ding dong)
(The sound of bells ringing)
(Ding dong, ding dong)
(The resonating sound of bells continues)
(Ding)
(The last Ding)
Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., ST. NICHOLAS MUSIC INC., Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Johnny Marks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind