Aaron Neville - The Bells of St. Mary Lyrics
Lyrics
The bells of st. mary,
Ah, hear they are calling,
The young loves, the true loves,
That come from the sea.
And so my beloved,
When red leaves are falling,
The love bells shall ring out,
The love bells shall ring out,
The love bells shall ring out,
For you and me.
The bells of st. mary,
Ah, hear they are calling,
The young loves, the true loves,
That come from the sea.
And so my beloved,
When red leaves are falling,
The love bells shall ring out,
The love bells shall ring out,
The love bells shall ring out,
For you and me.
Video
The Bells Of St. Mary's
Meaning & Inspiration
Aaron Neville's rendition of "The Bells of St. Mary," released on his 1993 album *Aaron Neville's Soulful Christmas*, transcends mere seasonal cheer to offer a profound meditation on enduring love and divine promise. While the title might evoke a secular Christmas, Neville's interpretation imbues the familiar melody with a spiritual depth, inviting listeners to consider the sacred nature of commitment and the blessings that echo through life. The song speaks of "young loves, the true loves, that come from the sea," a poetic image that can be understood as the constant ebb and flow of life's journey, wherein love, like a tide, arrives with gentle certainty. This imagery resonates with the biblical concept of God's unfailing presence and guidance, much like Psalm 136 assures us, "His love endures forever." The anticipation of "love bells" ringing when "red leaves are falling" points to a future fulfillment, a time of celebration and culmination. This resonates with the biblical narrative of hope and redemption, where seasons of waiting are met with divine appointment. The recurring motif of bells calling can be interpreted as a heavenly summons, a reminder of sacred vows and the joyous sound of divine affirmation for those bound in true love. This echoes the joyous proclamation found in Zephaniah 3:17, "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He delights over you with joy; he quiets you with his love, he rejoices over you with singing." The song’s essence lies in its gentle assurance that love, particularly the enduring kind, is a gift from above, destined to ring out and be celebrated. This aligns with the spirit of 1 Corinthians 13:8, which states, "Love never fails," suggesting a timeless quality and a divine foundation for genuine affection. Neville's delivery, rich with soul and sincerity, amplifies this message, transforming a simple song into an anthem of faith and enduring love, reminding us that every true union, blessed by God, is a testament to His grace and a cause for eternal celebration.