On Sunday, December 8 MD performed this classic seasonal favorite at WDCB's Holiday Hoot, held on the campus of College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
The lyrics are based upon Henry Wadsworth Longfellows 1863 poem, "Christmas Bells." The poem was first set to music in the 1870s, but MD's arrangement is closer to the tune Johnny Marks composed in the 1950s.
Click here or on the photo for a free tablature download.
I heard the bells on Christmas Day,
the old familiar carols played,
wild and sweet, the words repeat,
peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought of how the day had come,
the belfries of all Christendom
had rolled along, the unbroken song of
peace on earth good will to men
But in despair I bowed my head,
there is no peace on earth I said,
hate is strong and mocks the song of
peace on earth good will to men
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep,
God is not dead, nor does He sleep
the wrong shall fail, the right prevail with
peace on earth good will to men
Till ringing, singing on its way
the world revolved from night to day
a voice, a chime, a chant sublime of
peace on earth good will to men
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
the old familiar carols played
wild and sweet the words repeat
peace on earth good will to men