Merrily Rang the Bells One Night

For Christmas

Words and Music: Anonymous. Known by 1926.

1. Merrily rang the bells one night
In David's town so fair
Pealing for joy with all their might
For Christ the Lord was there.

    Shepherds had heard an Angel tell
    That God was come to earth
    Bethlehem town rang every bell
    In praise of the wondrous birth.

2. Folk from the field all flocking came
And Angels shows the way.
Children at play forsook their game
To gaze where Jesus lay.

    Oxen and ass their master knew
    And birds sang forth His praise
    Kings of the East drew rein to view
    The reason of such amaze.

3. Stable was none but a silver shrine
The manger was golden made
Cradled on high was the Child Divine
In shining vestment arrayed.

    Merrily rang the bells tonight
    In the House of God so fair.
    Pealing for joy with all their might
    For Christ the Lord is there!

Sheet Music
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

Note:

Collected by Joseph F. Keimig (1918-2013) during his time as a student at Marianist Preparatory School, Beacon, N.Y. or as a Brother of the Society of Mary (S.M. or Marianists), a Roman Catholic order of priests and brothers. Authorship and exact date unknown. Text transcribed from hand-written sheet music or other notes.

Noteworthy Composer sheet music created by Douglas D. Anderson and released to the public domain.

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