The Story of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"

"I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" was written on Christmas Day in 1863, when the American Civil War was at its peak.  The well-known poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was deeply depressed by the great horrors of this conflict, for "hate seemed over strong at the moment."  His son  was serving as lieutenant in the Union Army at the time and had been wounded.

When Longfellow heard the Christmas bells chiming he realized that even amidst the depths of his despair he was experiencing "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep!" He knew that God is powerful enough to overcome all the world's troubles, and to bring peace and good will to Earth.  And in ending each stanza, the poet stresses this idea with the phrase, "Of peace on Earth, good will to men."

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

I thought how as the day had come
The belfries of all Christendom
Had roll'd along th' unbroken song
Of Peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair, I bow'd 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 pealed 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."

Learn to play beautiful Christmas Carols on your piano -- click here