bells

The speaker hears the bells on Christmas Day playing familiar carols with a message of peace and goodwill. However, the sound of cannons drowns out the carols, symbolizing the presence of hate and conflict. The speaker feels despair and believes there is no peace. But then, the bells ring louder and the speaker realizes that God is not dead and that eventually, the wrong will fail and the right will prevail, bringing peace to the world. 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. And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along the unbroken song, Of peace on earth, goodwill to men. Until 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. Then from each black accursed mouth The cannon thundered in the south, And with the sound the carols drowned, Of peace on earth, goodwill to men. It was as if an earthquake rent The hearthstones of a continent, And made forlorn the households born, Of peace on earth, goodwill 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, goodwill 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, goodwill to men. Take Two 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. And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along the unbroken song, 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. Then from each black accursed mouth The cannon thundered in the south, And with the sound the carols drowned, Of peace on earth, goodwill to men. It was as if an earthquake rent The hearthstones of a continent, And made forlorn the households born Of peace on earth, goodwill 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, goodwill 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, goodwill to men.