Historic Sheet Music Collection
Document Type
Score
Publication Date
1907
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
The choir was sweetly singing in the church across the way
The scent of orange blossoms filled the air
The bells were gaily ringing,
‘Twas a happy wedding day, and all the world seemed free from pain or care,
A blushing maiden slender was to be his future mate,
His eyes were warm and tender as he whispered “Darling Kate,”
She smiled a smile of gladness for perhaps she did not know of a promise made and broken long ago,
[Chorus]
While one bell was chiming its sweet notes were rhyming a story of joy to impart
The other was tolling, its sad notes unrolling the tale of a poor broken heart one told of a wedding, the other was spreading the news of a soul that had flown
Two choirs were singing, two church bells were ringing and each told a tale of its own.
[Verse 2]
How often had he wandered with the other far away
And how her little heart had throbbed with pride
How often had they pondered
O’er a future happy day, when he would come and claim her for his bride,
How often did he hold her while the light was growing dim,
How often had he told her, she was just the girl for him
And so she watched and waited for his coming o’er the lea,
Till the promise made and broken long ago,
[Chorus]
Recommended Citation
Williams, Harry and Alstyne, Egbert Van, "Tale the Church Bells Tolled, The" (1907). Historic Sheet Music Collection. 1483.
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/sheetmusic/1483
The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.
Comments
MacIntosh Collection
New York: Jerome H. Remick & Co. (1907)
Some of these resources may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes. Such materials should be seen in the context of the time period and as a reflection of attitudes of the time. The items are part of the historical record, and do not represent the views of the library or the institution.