“Carol Of The Bells” is presented here as a lead sheet in D minor. The page includes the melody on a single treble staff, chord symbols above the notes, and the familiar English lyrics under the melody. Instead of a written-out piano accompaniment, this version gives the basic tune, harmony, and text so it can be used for singing, accompaniment, arranging, or improvisation.

Measures 1–8 present the opening bell pattern with the “Hark! how the bells” text. The melody repeats the famous four-note motive while the chord symbols move through D minor, D minor 7 over C, G minor 7 over B-flat, and D minor over A. This gives the lead sheet a steady descending bass color while keeping the melody simple and direct.

Measures 9–16 continue the same repeated carol pattern with new lyrics. The melody stays built around the same short rhythmic idea, while the chords continue the same basic pattern underneath. This repeated structure is what makes the carol feel like ringing bells instead of a long, changing song melody.

Measures 17–30 move into the final section with the “Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas” text and the closing return of the opening idea. The A7 chord creates a stronger pull back toward D minor, and the last phrase brings the bell motive back for a clear ending.

Interesting fact: “Carol of the Bells” began as the Ukrainian song “Shchedryk” by Mykola Leontovych. The English Christmas lyrics were later written by Peter J. Wilhousky, which is why this lead sheet lists both names: Leontovych for the original music and Wilhousky for the English carol text.