From the recording I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Longfellow wrote "Christmas Bells" on Christmas day 1864 in the midst of the American Civil War and the news of his son Charles Appleton Longfellow having suffered wounds as a soldier in battle. He had suffered the great loss of his wife two years prior to an accident with fire. His despair in the following years after was recorded in his journal.
Emily did a modern day adaptation of Longfellow's lyrics...asking Christianity to be what it is meant to be - peaceful and loving for all, not just an exclusive group of like-minded individuals.
Lyrics
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carol's play
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace, peace on earth
I thought somehow the day had come
For truth behind all Christendom
But blindly we just roll along
With a broken song of peace
Peace
And in despair I bowed my head
"There is no peace on earth," I said
We separate the "right" from "wrong"
For hate is strong and mocks the song of
Of peace on earth
Peace for men and women everywhere
Goodwill to all
The pealed the bells more loud and deep
"God is not dead nor doth he sleep"
Life cannot fail love will prevail
With peace on earth
Ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime a chant sublime of
Peace on earth
Peace
Peace on earth
Goodwill to all