John Gorka - Christmas Bells (2020)

Christmas Bells is Home Video #38 and this week's One Song Concert.
The lyrics are from a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the tune is my own. It first appeared on a recording called A Winter Solstice III on Windham Hill Records in 1990.
I hope you like this version. Merry Merry and Happy Happy to You! JG

or use one of these:
Venmo: @John-Gorka

[meidassecondsoprano]

My favorite Christmas song, Mr. Gorka. Thank you for the precious gift of your composition, your voice, your musicianship and your humanity. Moriah❤

[waynejohnson]

My Christmas Day song since 1990. Thanks so much Mr. Gorka for shaping the world, reminding us what matters most.

[ethandevenport]

I grew up listening to this song on a Windham Hill album during car rides to family Christmas. It brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear it, reminding me of those wonderful days.

[scottgifford]

Thanks, John! I’ve loved this ever since Winter Solstice III ❤

[resilientrecoveryministries]

I met John on an airport tram, taking us both to a car rental center. I was with my siblings on our way to my brother-in-law's funeral. I got to do the thing everyone wants to do: tell an artist how much you love one of their songs. This song--the picking pattern, the lyrics, his voicing--feels deep and correct. I've played it. Paused to reflect for a moment. And then played it again . And then repeated that little cycle a few times in a row. My siblings didn't recognize him, and the tram was loud enough that they didn't hear our conversation. It is a very nice memory wrapped inside a difficult time. Thanks, John.

[worldissuesmatter]

I have a Windham Hill CD from 1990 with this on it, and it brings a tear to my eyes every time. Stunning.


And here in 2023, it is still unfortunately so appropriate.

[louiskirstein]

Such a beautiful sung version of the Christmas Bells poem. Many songwriters have put words to the poem since it was written in 1863, this one is my favourite.

[Larissima]

This is the most haunting and beautiful version of this song I've ever heard, and this is a perfect performance of it. A friend and I played it at my mother's funeral. Thank you John Gorka.

[nandy]

i heard the bells on christmas day
their old familiar carols play
and wild and sweet, the words repeat
of peace on earth, good will to men
peace on earth, good will to men

i thought how, as the day had come
the belfries of all christendom
had rolled along the unbroken song
of peace on earth, good will to men
peace on earth, good will to men

and in despair, i bowed my head
“there is no peace on earth, ” i said
for hate is strong, and mocks the song
of peace on earth, good will to men
peace on earth, good will to men

then pealed the bells, more loud and deep
god is not dead, nor doth he sleep
the wrong shall fail, the right prevail
with peace on earth, good will to men
peace on earth, good will to men

i heard the bells on christmas day
their old familiar carols play
wild and sweet, the words repeat
of peace on earth, good will to men
peace on earth, good will to men

peace on earth, good will to men!

[timothywood]

A gem - so good, from the first time I heard it from the 1990 release, one of my most very favorite Christmas songs- ever.

[ClayZambo]

My favorite version of the Longfellow text by far! Thank you for sharing it!

[lesleymoore]

A lovely treatment of Henry Wadsworth's Poem.

[chacecrowell]

Beautiful song. My dad played the winter solstice CDs all the time as I was growing up and this brings back many memories. This is our first Christmas without him and this was one of the first songs I put on in the morning in his memory. Thank you for the wonderful music and memories John - peace on earth and goodwill to men!

[alicek]

Hi John...A blast from the past! You sang at my wedding...December 27, 1980. Matthew and I will celebrate our 40th anniversary this month. We have been following your records and enjoying your music for many years. Thank you for that. We wish you the best as well as your continued success. Happy Holidays from Alice (Shaw) & Matthew Krepley. Still happy after all these years!

[jeflarremore]

This ... THIS song is how I discovered you in the darkest days of my life in 1993-1994 off The Winter Solstice III album. Thank you for covering this song. You have given me decades of entertainment and enjoyment. By far, if asked, I respond that this is my favorite Christmas song.

[rhondajohnson]

This song has been a staple of our family Christmas since we bought the Winter Solstice 3 album all those years ago. This version is my childrens favorite. May God bless you for adding such beauty to our lives.

[sakka]

Wonderful Sunday song before the day of our Lord’s birth. Perhaps it is time for those with faith to let go - you each know what to let go of - leave this World with nothing as we end a 1000 year period and began a new age of no copyright- Ha!

[bobtwice]

Absolutely my favorite version of this song. Great Job John!

[nllleonard]

Lifted me right up…you and this song tonight. Blessings to you, dear John Gorka.

[colinmayneart]

Thank you for this Mr Gorka. Been in my heart for the last 20 years x