In most churches, bells are used for Christmas decorations. Traditionally, most churches had bells that would alert people nearby about some important event.
In the early period, people became accustomed to the bells and thought that they could use the bells to scare away evil spirits. Bells are a simple form of making noise.
Christmas Songs With Bells In The Title
Bells are rung to announce the arrival of the Christmas season, and they may symbolize the birth of Christ, when, according to the Gospel of Luke, angels praised God and proclaimed: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14, King James Version).
Every festival has its own traditions, and Christmas is a festival of warmth, generosity, and togetherness. No Christmas gathering feels complete without music, and bell-themed songs are some of the most beloved tunes of the season.
Quick Facts
| Song | Notable Artist / Writer | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Bells | Written by Jay Livingston & Ray Evans; first recorded by Bing Crosby & Carol Richards | 1950 (song); 1951 (film The Lemon Drop Kid) |
| Jingle Bells | Written by James Lord Pierpont as “The One Horse Open Sleigh” | 1857 (published); first recorded 1889 |
| Jingle Bell Rock | Written by Joseph Carleton Beal & James Ross Boothe; first recorded by Bobby Helms | 1957 |
| Carol of the Bells | Melody by Mykola Leontovych (“Shchedryk”); English lyrics by Peter J. Wilhousky | 1916 (melody); 1936 (English lyrics) |
| I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day | Poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; best-known melody by Johnny Marks | 1863 (poem); 1956 (Marks melody) |
| Sleigh Ride | Composed by Leroy Anderson; lyrics added by Mitchell Parish | 1948 (music); 1950 (lyrics) |
| Ding Dong Merrily on High | Tune from Thoinot Arbeau’s “Orchésographie”; carol lyrics by George Ratcliffe Woodward | 1588 (tune); 1924 (carol lyrics) |
Best Traditional Christmas Song
Here’s the full list of the best traditional Christmas song soundtracks that mention bells:
- Silver Bells
Singer: Bing Crosby and Carol Richards
Movie: The Lemon Drop Kid
Release Year: 1950 (song), 1951 (movie)
Other Notable Versions:
- Kate Smith (1966)
- The Judds (1987)
- Terry Wogan and Aled Jones (2009, reached No. 27 in the UK)
- Jingle Bells
First Recorded Performance: 1889 on an Edison cylinder
Published Year: 1857 (as “The One Horse Open Sleigh”)
Composer: James Lord Pierpont
“Jingle Bells” is one of the most well-known American songs worldwide and was originally titled “The One Horse Open Sleigh.” It became associated with Christmas music in the 1860s and 1870s.
The Quick Facts table above has the full rundown, but here’s more on the rest of these bell-themed Christmas classics.
- “Jingle Bell Rock” – written by Joseph Carleton Beal and James Ross Boothe, first released by Bobby Helms in 1957.
- “Carol of the Bells” – adapted from “Shchedryk,” a Ukrainian folk melody arranged by Mykola Leontovych in 1916; English lyrics centered on bells were added by Peter J. Wilhousky in 1936.
- “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” – based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s 1863 poem “Christmas Bells”; the most familiar musical setting was composed by Johnny Marks in 1956.
- “Sleigh Ride” (mentions sleigh bells jingling) – composed by Leroy Anderson in 1948, with lyrics added by Mitchell Parish in 1950.
- “Ding Dong Merrily on High” – its tune began as a 16th-century French dance, “Branle de l’Official,” and was set to carol lyrics by George Ratcliffe Woodward in 1924.
May this season find you among those you love, sharing in the twin glories of generosity and gratitude.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! 🎅🎄
Also Read: Best Christmas Soundtrack
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous Christmas song with bells in the title?
“Jingle Bells” is the most widely recognized secular Christmas song in the world, though “Silver Bells” is also a holiday radio staple.
Who wrote “Silver Bells”?
Jay Livingston and Ray Evans wrote “Silver Bells” for the 1951 film The Lemon Drop Kid. Bing Crosby and Carol Richards made the first recording in September 1950.
Was “Jingle Bells” originally written as a Christmas song?
No. James Lord Pierpont published it in 1857 as “The One Horse Open Sleigh,” with no specific Christmas connection. It only became associated with the holiday in the 1860s and 1870s.
Where does the tune for “Carol of the Bells” come from?
It is adapted from “Shchedryk,” a Ukrainian folk melody arranged by composer Mykola Leontovych in 1916. The English lyrics about bells were added by Peter J. Wilhousky in 1936.
What inspired “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”?
It’s based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s 1863 poem “Christmas Bells,” written during the American Civil War, which echoes the angels’ declaration of “peace on earth” from Luke 2:14.
Related reading: Movie Soundtracks | Streaming Guides