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, as now the day had come
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rung so long
The unbroken song
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"
(In excelsis Deo)
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep
The wrong shall fail
And right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men!"