I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Celtic Christmas ballad, intimate whispered male alto-tenor and first soprano duet rising to soaring harmonies and choir; piano, acoustic guitar and Celtic harp open beneath exposed deep bronze Jerusalem bells, with fiddle, low whistle, uilleann pipes, bodhrán and orchestral strings building into a massive cathedral peal; unhurried 6/8 sway; bells foregrounded with natural decay, ending on a solitary toll, ‑sleigh bells, ‑no jingle bells, ‑no glockenspiel

I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old familiar carols play And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth — goodwill to men Though shadows fall and faith may sleep, The bells still ring where hope runs deep... Ring bold, O bells of Christmas morn, Where weary hearts find hope reborn. Through silent night and love held tight, For peace does follow darkest night. A hallowed song for all to hear: Christ our hope is forever near. All bells shall ring — the whole Earth sings: For peace has come — the newborn King. 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 — goodwill to men Then rang the bells more loud and deep God is not dead nor doth He sleep The Wrong shall fail, the Right prevail Of peace on earth — goodwill to men Till ringing, singing on its way The world revolved from night to day A voice, a chime, a chant sublime Of peace on earth — goodwill to men Ring true, O bells of Christmas Day, Guide every broken heart Your way. Shadows yield — prayer and faith doth build; Of peace that follows the darkest night. Bells raise your song for all to hear: For Christ our hope is ever near. The bells shall ring — the whole world sing: For peace has come — our newborn King. Peace on earth... Goodwill to men...

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