Vocal Version by Charles Burr When men were living in wilderness two hundred years ago, With many areas leaderless, exposed to every foe, The only building for miles around that ev'ryone could see Was just a peep o' the church and steeple across some distant tree. They had no means to communicate--the distances were vast. In time of danger the fear was great--each day might be their last. They found they needed a sound quite independent of the eye, A bell whose ringing would send it's singing across God's open sky. Well, no one can build a bell of earth and wood, No matter how much in need the neighborhood. For funds to send to a foundry they decided to strive, And prayed to God each day that they'd survive. And, when in a foreign land their bell was cast The men of the wilderness took heart at last For through their common endeavor they had struggled and thrived And so they blessed the day the bell arrived. Ding dong, ding dong, hear the tolling bell Bing bong, bing bong, ringing through the dell. And miles away the people kneel and pray And if they're late on Sunday morning It's a warning better hurry! Bing bong, bing bong, hourly the chime Ding dong, ding dong, told the people time, The men and wives who lived their simple lives To help create an independent state. And under attack, the foe at their back, The sound of the bell would tell them of danger. And time and again the women and men Were saved by the bell that came from a neighbor. Until in time it came to be the source of their security, To ev'ry farmer, mountaineer and granger. Ding dong, ding dong, hear the bell resound Bing bong, bing bong, many miles around. It came to be to each community the voice that bade them Pray together, stay together, free from worry. Bing bong, bing bong, as they did expand, Ding dong, ding dong, towns throughout the land Acquired their chime until they rang in time From sea to sea the voice of liberty. And when there was war, they heard as before It's clamorous tone in bold oratory And then on the morn the nation was born The liberty bell could herald the story It rang in independence hall to represent for one and all A country bound for great renown and glory Ding dong, ding dong, hear the bells proclaim Bing bong, bing bong, sing the country's name. United States where each participates So long as we can chime together, Rhyme and stay in time together. Bing Bong, bing bong, heed it's ringing plea, Ding dong, ding dong, so the world may see What men can do when they will follow through And listen to the bell of liberty!
