This interesting song starts out joyful but verse two begins to turn sorrowful and by verse three we are in mourning. Possibly Foster started out to write a happy song but his own experiences influenced the song as it progressed. Background music is in the key of C
![]() White T-Shirt with harmonica logo |
4 4 4 7 -8 7 -7 The vil-lage bells are ring-ing, -7 -6 6 -6 7 6 And mer-ri-ly they chime; 4 4 4 7 -8 7 -7 The vil-lage choir is sing-ing, -7 -6 6 -6 7 6 For 'tis a hap-py time; 5 5 5 -4 4 -5 5 The chap-el walls are lad-en -4 6 6 -5 5 -6 With gar-lands rich and gay, -7 7 -8 -6 7 6 -6 4 To greet the vil-lage ma-id-en -4 5 5 -4 -4 4 Up-on her wed-ding day. verse 2 But summer joys have faded and summer hopes have flown; Her brow with grief is shaded, her happy smiles are gone; Yet why her heart is laden, not one, alas! can say. Who saw the village maiden upon her wedding day. verse 3 The village bells are ringing, But hark, how sad and slow, The village choir is singing a requiem soft and low; And all with sorrow laden their tearful tribute pay Who saw the village maiden upon her wedding day.