Carol of the Bells
from the MMF! Songbook

History
Carol of the Bells, also known as the Ukrainian Bell Carol, was composed by Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych, and is based on the Ukrainian New Years chant "Shchedryk". The work was first performed in December 1916 by students at Kiev University.

The English lyrics were written by Peter Wilhousky of NBC Radio in 1936. The piece reminded Wilhousky of ringing bells, which he captured in the imagery in his lyrics.

Lyrics
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... dong!

Free Printable Sheet Music

Carol of the Bells for Intermediate/Level 4 Piano Solo

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