Carol of the Bells, Parts Un et Deux

Carol of the Bells

Traditional Ukrainian folk chant, with modern lyrics by Peter J. Wilhousky

This ancient Ukrainian folk chant tells of a prescient swallow trumpeting the coming of the new year, which in pre-Christian Ukraine fell in spring. Peter J. Wilhousky, an arranger for the NBC Symphony Orchestra, wrote the modern lyrics in the 1930s. The carol quickly became a holiday favorite:

Hark how the bells,

sweet silver bells,

all seem to say,

throw cares away

Christmas is here,

bringing good cheer,

to young and old,

meek and the bold.

Ding dong ding dong

that is their song

with joyful ring

all caroling.

One seems to hear

words of good cheer

from everywhere

filling the air.

Oh how they pound,

raising the sound,

o'er hill and dale,

telling their tale.

Gaily they ring

while people sing

songs of good cheer,

Christmas is here.

Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas,

Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas.

On on they send,

on without end,

their joyful tone

to every home.

Ding dong ding... dong!