About the song
“The Three Bells,” also known as “The Jimmy Brown Song,” is a poignant ballad that became a classic through its various renditions over the years. Originally a French song titled “Les Trois Cloches” by Jean Villard, it narrates the life of Jean-François Nicot, from birth through marriage to death, marked by the ringing of church bells at significant moments. This French version gained international attention when performed a cappella by Edith Piaf with Les Compagnons de la chanson in 1946.
The song was introduced to English-speaking audiences through multiple adaptations. In 1948, two different English versions emerged: “While the Angelus Was Ringing” and “The Three Bells,” with lyrics by Bert Reisfeld. The latter, featuring the narrative of Jimmy Brown instead of Jean-François Nicot, gained popularity over the years. Artists like The Melody Maids and later The Andrews Sisters recorded versions, but it was The Browns’ rendition in 1959 that achieved the most significant success.
The Browns, a country music trio, recorded “The Three Bells” at RCA Studio B in Nashville. Produced by Chet Atkins and arranged by Anita Kerr, the song was initially intended to be their farewell recording due to their plans to leave the music industry. However, the song’s success exceeded expectations. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for four weeks and remained at number one on the Hot C&W Sides chart for an impressive 10 weeks. Despite an accidental technical mishap during recording, where engineer Bill Porter spliced different takes together, the song became a million-seller and received a Grammy nomination for Best Record of the Year in 1959.
Over the years, “The Three Bells” has been covered by various artists, showcasing its enduring appeal and universal themes of life, love, and loss. Brian Poole & The Tremeloes, Nana Mouskouri, and Daniel O’Donnell are among those who have offered their interpretations, each bringing a unique touch to this beloved melody that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. With its heartfelt lyrics and memorable melody, “The Three Bells” remains a cherished classic in both the country and pop music genres, celebrating the timeless themes of life’s journey and the tolling of the bells that mark its significant moments.
Video
Lyrics
There’s a village hidden deep in the valley
Among the pine trees half forlorn
And there on a sunny morning
Little Jimmy Brown was born (Bung, bung, bung, bung)
All the chapel bells were ringing
In the little valley town
And the song that they were singing
Was for baby Jimmy Brown
Then the little congregation
Prayed for guidance from above
“Lead us not into temptation
Bless this hour of meditation
Guide him with eternal love”
There’s a village hidden deep in the valley
Beneath the mountains high above
And there, twenty years thereafter
Jimmy was to meet his love (Bung, bung, bung, bung)
All the chapel bells were ringing
‘Twas a great day in his life
‘Cause the songs that they were singing
Was for Jimmy and his wife
Then the little congregation
Prayed for guidance from above
“Lead us not into temptation
Bless, oh Lord this celebration,
May their lives be filled with love”
From the village hidden deep in the valley
One rainy morning dark and gray
A soul winged its way to heaven
Jimmy Brown had passed away (Bung, bung, bung, bung)
Just a lonely bell was ringing
In the little valley town
‘Twas farewell that it was singing
To our good ol’ Jimmy Brown (little Jimmy Brown)
And the little congregation
Prayed for guidance from above
“Lead us not into temptation,
May his soul find the salvation,
Of thy great eternal love”