Carol of the bells original illustration in pen and ink and watercolour by Rosie Brooks

"Carol of the Bells" is a popular Christmas carol with origins in Ukraine. The original Ukrainian song, called "Shchedryk," was a folk tune composed by Mykola Leontovych in 1916. It was later adapted and translated into English by Peter J. Wilhousky in 1936.

The melody of the carol is based on a four-note ostinato motif, which creates a sense of excitement and tension as the song progresses. The lyrics describe the ringing of bells, and the joy and wonder of the Christmas season.

Here are the lyrics to the English version of "Carol of the Bells":

Hark! how the bells Sweet silver bells All seem to say, "Throw cares away."

Christmas is here Bringing good cheer To young and old Meek and the bold

Ding, dong, ding, dong That is their song With joyful ring All caroling

One seems to hear Words of good cheer From everywhere Filling the air

Oh how they pound, Raising the sound, O'er hill and dale, Telling their tale,

Gaily they ring While people sing Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here.

Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas, Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas, On, on they send, On without end, Their joyful tone to every home.