Ring Out The Old, Ring In The New

Tennyson’s poem urges letting go of the old and embracing a hopeful future.

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Updated December 16, 2024, by Catherine Pulsifer

Ring out the false, ring in the true

This poem, Ring Out The Old, Ring In The New by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, is an uplifting reflection on the transition from the old year to the new. Tennyson uses the metaphor of ringing bells to signal the shedding of old, outdated aspects of life and the welcoming of renewal and improvement. The poem explores themes of hope, renewal, and social progress, calling for a better future by leaving behind the old ways of grief, inequality, and strife.


Ring Out The Old, Ring In The New

Poet: Tennyson

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow,
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more;
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause.
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws

Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right.
Ring in the common love of good.

Ring in the valiant man and free.
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land.
Ring in the Christ that is to be.



In Ring Out The Old, Ring In The New, Tennyson highlights three key points:
  • Letting Go of the Old
    The poet urges us to release the burdens of the past - grief, conflict, falsehoods, and injustice - symbolized by the "old year" and the ringing bells. These elements must be left behind to make way for a better future.


  • Welcoming the New and Better
    Tennyson calls for the arrival of truth, love, kindness, and justice. He envisions a world where noble values, compassion, and positive change take center stage, bringing hope and progress for all.


  • Embracing a Spiritual Renewal
    Ultimately, the poet calls for the coming of Christ, a symbol of divine guidance, to bring light and truth to a world in need. This spiritual renewal offers a vision of peace and moral clarity as we move into the future.
Through these points, Tennyson encourages us to look forward to a brighter, more compassionate world.


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