“The Bells of Rhymney”[1] by Pete Seeger was covered by The Byrds and by Bob Dylan.

What was the first musical instrument? How long have humans been ringing bells? Music runs deep in our human constitution. Imagine the first roots of rhythmic sound millennia ago as our distant forbearers pounded grain to grist or hummed lamentations or repeated chants to celebrate, or praise, or to prepare for war.

There are no bells in the story of Bentari. Yet music, songs and old melodies are critical. They helped a young boy learn lessons that he would need to survive a harsh and brutal fate that no child deserves. This passage recalls the age-old impact that even simple notes excite when the listener is on edge: “The drumbeats and clanging sistrums sent chills through Falberg’s veins.” (Bentari, ch. 11, “Radio Interference”)

I listen to Pete Seeger’s rich voice singing a Zinn-like people’s version of “The Bells of Rhymney.” I am moved by the heavy loads that some must bear under forced circumstances. I hear heavy tones of ancient instruments. They know for whom they toll.

They toll with profound pity. They toll with wonder.

“Why-eeee,” ring the bells of Wye. “Why-eee,” they sing and ask, but they can only prod us. Only we can feel. Only we are bitten by the fanged bells of Neathe. Only we can demand to “Put the vandals in the court!” The bells can only ring and sing.

I pray they do not stop.

"Oh what will you give me?"
Say the sad bells of Rhymney
"Is there hope for the future?"
Say the brown bells of Merthyr

Don’t you agree with Pete and me? Don’t you see our great cause for hope—hope for a better day that can be at hand. All we need do is to teach our children all about the love and wisdom that imbued the young Bentari.

Image: Pete Seeger in 1955[2] and “Bourbon,” a bell of Notre Dame[3]

[1] Listen & read lyrics: http://www.songlyrics.com/pete-seeger/the-bells-of-rhymney-lyrics/ (printable music, too)

[2] See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pete_Seeger_NYWTS.jpg there are no known restrictions on this photo

[3] See: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bourdon-notre-dame-paris-tour-sud.jpg Author Tristan Nitot authorizes free sharing of this file but has not endorsed this specific publication