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RING THE BELL, WATCHMAN (Henry Clay Work) High in the belfry the old sexton stands, Grasping the rope with his thin bony hands Fix'd is his gaze as by some magic spell Till he hears the distant murmur, Ring, ring the bell Chorus: "Ring the bell, watchman! ring! ring! ring! "Yes, yes! the good news is now on the wing. "Yes, yes! they come and with tiding to tell. "Glorious and blessed tidings. Ring, ring the bell!" Baring his long silver locks to the breeze, First for a moment he drops on his knees Then with a vigor that few could excel Answers he the welcome bidding, Ring, ring the bell Chorus Hear! from the hilltop, the first signal gun Thunders the word that some great deed is done Hear! thro' the valley the long echoes swell, Ever and anon repeating Ring, ring the bell Chorus Bonfires are blazing and rockets ascend No meagre triumph such tokens portend Shout! shout! my brothers for "all, all is well!" 'Tis the universal chorus Ring, ring the bell Chorus Note: Here are the words to "Ring the Bell, Watchman." _The Songs of Henry Clay Work_, compiled by Bertram G. Work, NY: J.J. Little & Ives (n.d.), pp. 115 -117. RWS Note2: This, as far as I can tell, is the original from which all the Strike the Bell parodies sprung. RG @war @Civil @peace filename[ RINGBELL TUNE FILE: CLKSHEAR CLICK TO PLAY RWS |
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