I heard the chimes at twelve o'clock
Ring in a brand new year;
And beyond the noise of all the news
I listened hard to hear
A chorus of lamentation
Ringing loud and singing clear
From many angels winging
Through the vault of heaven.
They sang of shame and sorrow
Of suffering and sin;
They sang of hope for tomorrow
That peace be found and guided in.

I knew of all the many trials
That former years had cost;
And all the dreams and pleasures
That were wasted and lost.
With awe I heard the music
That came to me there;
The voices all came pealing
Through the stillness everywhere.
'Take away the shame and sorrow
Take the suffering and sin
So that a new tomorrow
May find peace be guided in.

Then I offered up a prayer
With heartfelt words I pled
For a miracle for the living
And forgiveness for the dead.