Lyrics Page
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
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Oct 31, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Song Meaning
Longfellow’s poem moves from hearing to despair to answer, and the lyric keeps that arc intact. Christmas bells play “their old familiar carols,” and the line “Of peace on earth, good-will to men” rolls over all of Christendom as an “unbroken song.” This version places that refrain ahead of the first verse, so the promise is sounded before any doubt arrives.
Then the mood breaks. Looking at the world, the narrator bows his head: “There is no peace on earth,” for “hate is strong / And mocks the song.” The bells peal back louder and deeper, “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep,” and the verdict follows, “The Wrong shall fail / The Right prevail.” The carol ends by repeating that promise and holding on its last words, “To men.”
Scripture stands behind the refrain in Luke 2:14, the angels’ song over Bethlehem, and the claim that God does not sleep echoes Psalm 121:4. Isaiah 9:6 names the child as Prince of Peace, which is the answer the bells give to despair.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
Of peace on Earth
Of peace on Earth
Of peace on Earth
[Verse 1]
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
[Verse 2]
I thought how as the day had come
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men
[Verse 3]
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
[Verse 4]
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"
[Outro]
The Wrong shall fail
The Right prevail
With peace on earth, good-will to men
To men