RING CHRISTMAS BELLS (THE CAROL OF THE BELLS)
(Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych (m) / Peter J. Wilhousky (l) )

Lyrics as released by the Ray Conniff Singers 1962 
'We Wish You A Merry Christmas'

Also numerous orchestral and piano arrangements exist 
but are not mentioned here.



Ring Christmas bells
Merrily ring
Tell all the world
Jesus is king.

Loudly proclaim
With one accord
The happy tale
Welcome the Lord.

Ring Christmas bells
Sound far and near
The birthday of
Jesus is here.

Herald the news
To old and young
Tell it to all
ln every tongue.

Ring Christmas bells
Merrily ring
Tell all the world
Jesus is king.

Ring Christmas bells
Toll loud and long
Your message sweet
Heal and prolong.

Come all you people
Join in the singing
Repeat the story
Told by the ringing
Ring, ring, ring ring
Ring, ring, ring ring.

Ring Christmas bells
Throughout the earth
Tell of the news
Of Jesus birth.

Loudly proclaim
With one accord
The happy tale
Welcome the Lord.

Ring Christmas bells
Merrily ring
Tell all the world
Jesus is king.

(bridge - bells ringing)

Ring Christmas bells
Merrily ring
Tell all the world
Jesus is king.

Loudly proclaim
With one accord
The happy tale
Welcome the Lord.

Ring Christmas bells
Sound far and near
The birthday of
Jesus is here.

Herald the news
To old and young
Tell it to all
In every tongue.

Ring, ring, ring ring
Ring, ring, ring ring

Ring, ring
Ring, ring

(fade)


NOTES:

This song and it's lyrics have an interesting and 
complex history so it's worth discussing briefly.

Most sources credit the song to the Ukrainian composer 
Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych in 1916. It originated as 
a Ukrainian choral chant called 'Shchedryky' and was 
first performed in Kiev Ukraine Dec 1916. It was 
initially sung as a New Year's Eve song. Some say 
the work was written earlier in 1904 or later in 1919 
but neither has not been verified.

Besides 'Carol Of The Bells', this song has been identified 
over the years by several titles, 'A Russian Carol', the 
'Ukrainian Bell Carol' and several others including 
'Ring Christmas Bells'.

The song didn't become a Christmas favourite until new 
music and lyrics were set by Peter J. Wilhousky in 1936.

Minna Louise Hohman provided an additional set of Nativity 
and Christian based lyrics more recently in 1947. 
Ms. Hohman's lyrics resemble the above set, more so than 
the traditional entry
 'Carol Of The Bells' elsewhere in 
this ILP database.
 Another set of lyrics appeared in 1972 
that are available on the Internet, also Nativity and Christian based.

At least 4 versions of 'Carol Of The Bells' have been 
located officially but it is thought by some that several 
other permutations may not have come to light.

Despite the differing opinions as to its origins and whatever 
form it may take, it's popularity has made it a Christmas staple 
for many people. It's unique four note cadence throughout, 
no matter the lyrics, makes it instantly recognizable.



(Transcribed by David Story - December 2013)