TALE THE CHURCH BELLS TOLLED, THE
(Music: Egbert Van Alstyne / Lyrics: Harry Williams)


Harry Macdonough - 1907
Frank Stanley - 1907


The choir was sweetly singing in the church across the way
The scent of orange blossoms filled the air
The bells were gaily ringing, 'twas a happy wedding day 
And all the world seemed free from pain and care

A blushing maiden slender was to be his future mate
His eyes were warm and tender as he whispered "Darling Kate" 
Kate smiled a smile of gladness, for perhaps she did not know
Of a promise made and broken long ago

While one bell was chiming 
Its sweet notes were rhyming 
A story of joy to impart

The other was tolling 
Its sad notes unrolling 
The tale of a poor broken heart 

One told of a wedding 
The other was spreading the news 
Of a soul that had flown

Two choirs were singing 
Two church bells were ringing 
And each told a tale of its own

How often had he wandered with the other far away
And how her little heart had throbbed with pride
How often had they pondered o'er a future happy day 
When he would come and claim her for his bride

How often did he hold her while the light was growing dim
How often had he told her, she was just the girl for him
And so she watched and waited for his coming o'er the lea
Till the Master called and said, "Come unto me"

While one bell was chiming 
Its sweet notes were rhyming 
A story of joy to impart

The other was tolling 
Its sad notes unrolling 
The tale of a poor broken heart 

One told of a wedding 
The other was spreading the news 
Of a soul that had flown

Two choirs were singing 
Two church bells were ringing 
And each told a tale of its own






(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - September 2015)