Is Carol Of The Bells Public Domain ?
If you want to use “Carol of the Bells” in a video, song, game, website, or commercial project, you need to understand one important thing:
Some parts of Carol of the Bells are public domain — and some parts are not.
This guide explains exactly what you can and cannot use, in simple terms, with real-world examples. It’s written for YouTubers, musicians, educators, app developers, churches, and business owners who want to avoid copyright problems.
Quick Answer (Short Version)
Is Carol of the Bells public domain?
- The original melody → Yes, public domain
- The English lyrics “Hark! How the bells…” → No, still copyrighted
- Modern recordings and arrangements → Usually copyrighted
So whether you can use it legally depends on which version you’re using.
What Is Carol of the Bells, Exactly?
Carol of the Bells is not originally an English Christmas song.
It comes from a Ukrainian folk-based composition called “Shchedryk”, written by Mykola Leontovych.
Key facts:
- Original title: Shchedryk
- Composer: Mykola Leontovych
- Year composed: 1914
- Origin: Ukraine
- Theme: New Year / good fortune (not Christmas)
The English Christmas version came later.
Why There Is Confusion About Copyright
People assume Carol of the Bells is public domain because:
- It sounds old
- It’s widely used
- It’s based on a folk-style melody
- It appears in many movies and ads
But copyright law treats melodies, lyrics, and recordings separately.
That’s where confusion begins.
Copyright Status Breakdown (Important Part)
1. The Original Melody (Public Domain)
The melody of Carol of the Bells comes from Shchedryk, composed in 1914.
- Mykola Leontovych died in 1921
- Under U.S. copyright law, works published before 1929 are in the public domain
- No renewal applies to the melody itself
✅ Result:
You are free to use the melody without permission.
This includes:
- Instrumental performances
- New arrangements
- Original recordings you create yourself
2. The English Lyrics (Not Public Domain)
The famous English lyrics were written by Peter J. Wilhousky in 1936.
Example:
“Hark! how the bells, sweet silver bells…”
These lyrics are a separate copyrighted work.
- Written decades after the melody
- Copyright still active in the U.S.
- Rights are managed by publishers
❌ Result:
You cannot legally use the English lyrics without a license.
3. Recordings and Arrangements (Usually Copyrighted)
Even if the melody is public domain:
- Orchestral recordings
- Choir performances
- Movie soundtracks
- Sheet music arrangements
…are new creative works and are protected by copyright.
❌ You cannot copy or reuse someone else’s recording without permission.
What You CAN Use Without Permission
You may legally use Carol of the Bells if you do all of the following:
✔ Use only the melody
✔ Create your own recording or performance
✔ Avoid copyrighted lyrics
✔ Avoid copying modern arrangements note-for-note
Examples:
- Piano instrumental you record yourself
- Music box version
- Synth or lo-fi instrumental
- Original orchestral arrangement
- Background music for a video or app
What You CANNOT Use Without a License
❌ The English lyrics
❌ Choir versions with lyrics
❌ Movie soundtrack versions
❌ Commercial recordings
❌ Sheet music labeled “arranged by” a modern composer
Even if it’s on YouTube or “free to download,” it may still be copyrighted.
Using Carol of the Bells on YouTube
Safe options:
- Instrumental performance (your own)
- Public domain melody only
- Royalty-free version explicitly licensed
Risky options:
- Singing English lyrics
- Using popular choir recordings
- Backing tracks from unknown sources
YouTube Content ID can still flag you, even if the melody is public domain, because recordings and arrangements are protected.
Using Carol of the Bells in Commercial Projects
If you plan to use it in:
- Ads
- Games
- Apps
- Films
- Paid courses
- Business websites
Your safest options are:
- Create your own instrumental version
- Hire a composer to arrange a public-domain version
- License a royalty-free instrumental
Never assume “Christmas music is free.”
Is Shchedryk Public Domain?
Yes.
The original Ukrainian version Shchedryk:
- Melody: public domain
- Ukrainian lyrics: generally treated as public domain folk-based text
- Still safer to use melody-only for commercial projects
Public Domain vs Royalty-Free (Important Difference)
Public domain
- No copyright at all
- Free forever
- No attribution required
Royalty-free
- Still copyrighted
- Licensed for specific uses
- Terms can vary
Many “royalty-free Carol of the Bells” tracks are not public domain, just licensed.
How to Use Carol of the Bells Safely (Checklist)
Before using it, ask yourself:
- Am I using lyrics? → ❌ Stop
- Is this someone else’s recording? → ❌ Stop
- Did I create this music myself? → ✅ Safe
- Is it melody-only? → ✅ Safe
- Is the arrangement original? → ✅ Safe
If you answer “no” to originality, you likely need a license.
Final Verdict
Is Carol of the Bells public domain?
The melody is public domain
The English lyrics are not
Most recordings are not
