Carol of the Bells

By Mykola Leontovych

Lyrics

1. 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

2 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

3. 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

On-on they send, on without end
Their joyful tone to every home

#Christmas Carols

Bible Reference

Luke 2:13–14; Psalm 98:4–6

About This Hymn

Carol of the Bells is a Ukrainian Christmas carol composed by Mykola Leontovych in 1916, with lyrics later adapted into English by Peter J. Wilhousky. The hymn is renowned for its intricate, repeating four-note motif that mimics the sound of bells ringing, creating a sense of urgency and celebration. The carol emphasizes the joyous announcement of Christ’s birth, symbolized through the ringing of bells, which has traditionally been associated with heralding good news and calling communities to worship. Its rhythmic intensity and harmonic interplay convey both festivity and reverence, making it a striking addition to Christmas celebrations.

Thematically, the hymn focuses on the announcement of the Savior’s arrival and the universal call to rejoice. The original Ukrainian lyrics describe the bells’ joyful pealing and the response of all creation to the miraculous event of Christ’s birth. The English adaptation preserves this celebratory spirit, encouraging listeners to recognize and participate in the festive proclamation. Its repeated “ding-dong” motifs evoke the sound of church bells, symbolically linking the music to the biblical call to glorify God for His mighty works.

Musically and culturally, Carol of the Bells has become a fixture in Christmas worship and performance. It is frequently arranged for choirs, orchestras, and instrumental ensembles, showcasing both its technical complexity and enduring appeal. Beyond its musical brilliance, the carol carries a spiritual message of joy, hope, and the glorification of God through communal celebration. It continues to inspire audiences worldwide, serving as both a reminder of Christ’s birth and a call to join in the universal chorus of praise.