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I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

by Bones in the Walls

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adam bohannon
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Joshua McCormack
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about

Originally a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (who also wrote 'Paul Revere's Ride'), it was written during the American Civil War. Henry had recently lost his wife in a tragic fire, and feared he'd lose more of his family to the war. The poem shows his conflict with God and soul while centered around the themes of Christmas during wartime.

It's frequently shortened to its happiest verses, forcing it to be a brighter carol, but Annie and I wanted to focus on author intent. Our version covers all the verses, set to minor tones, and includes elements to show Henry's internal and external conflict.

Art is the image "Snowy Morning on Picket" Not attributed From the January 30, 1864 issue of Harper's Weekly Page 68.

lyrics

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

And 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

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will 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, good-will to men

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent
And made forlorn
The households born
Of 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 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

credits

released November 25, 2022
Music and production - Cat Prisbrey
Organ and vocals - Annie Prisbrey
Lyrics taken from the poem "I heard the bells" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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Bones in the Walls Tucson, Arizona

An indie, Americana folk rock duo based out of Tucson Arizona.

Music inspired by dark southwestern cities and desert landscapes.🌵

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