Song

Tolling Bells

Original Title: Glokn klang!

Performer: Daniel Kempin
Lyricist: Mordecai Gebirtig
Composer: Mordecai Gebirtig/Daniel Kempin

Yiddish folk poet and songwriter Mordecai Gebirtig was born in Krakow, Poland, in 1877.

In 1940, he was forced to flee from German-occupied Krakow to nearby Lagiewniki. There, in October 1941, he wrote "Tolling Bells"—in which he envisions the end of persecution and occupation.

The bells are tolling --
Gling Glong!
Gling Glong!
Like someone were asking:
How long, now? How long?
How long, now? How long?
Will man be a beast?
Will man be so shameless?
Will man be a mere tool
In the hands of the Devil?
How long, now? How long?
How long shall he reign?

The bells are tolling --
Gling Glong!
Gling Glong!
Like someone were answering:
Not long, now! Not long!
Not long, now! Not long!
Will the Devil make merry --
To him we owe thanks
That the world is on fire --
Gling Glong! Gling Glong!
Not long, now! Not long!
His downfall will come!

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