Christmas Eve (The Barnsley Carol) by Arthur Godfrey - Lyrics

The chime of bells inspires the midnight breeze,

And greets with fond caress the whispering trees;

The moon-white hills around, in snow-shine splendour crowned,

With pealing joys resound of Christmas Bells

 

Glad tidings of the Saviour bring;

Peace reigneth as ye gaily ring;

Ring on, ring on, ring on while the

merry breezes sing of Christmas Bells

 

From out the ageless Deep, where sleepeth Time,

Steal silvery dreamings of the deathless chime,

Heard long ago by men, whose wandering souls were then

Refreshed once more again by Christmas Bells

 

The child who to the earth the Father gave,

From maze of Darkness human souls to save,

Speak to mankind this hour, from every belfry tower

His voice the vibrant power of Christmas Bells

 

The echoes softly die within the night

But brighter shine the rays of Christmas Light

For lands and rolling seas, all nationalities

Sing to your harmonies Sweet Christmas Bells

 

 

 

Original words and music by Arthur Godfrey. First published in the Barnsley Chronicle December 1933. Edited version by Barnsley Museums December 2023.