This arrangement is based on the familiar melody by the well-known English organist, John Baptiste Calkin. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the lyrics as a poem during a very dark and difficult period of life, following the tragic death of his beloved wife and while his son was struggling to recover from war wounds. The story behind the lyrics explains the despair and grief in his words, but gives deeper meaning to the ultimate message of the song: “peace on earth, goodwill to men.” 4 pages. Intermediate level. Performance time: approximately 3:40. Included in the “Christmas Eve” songbook.

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