Ring Out The Old, Ring In The New

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

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 Tennyson uses the metaphor of ringing bells to signal the shedding of old, outdated aspects of life and the welcoming of renewal and improvement.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.

Updated September 28, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

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.

Key Reflections In This Poem

Let Go Of What Belongs To The Past
Tennyson's ringing bells symbolize leaving behind the grief, conflict, and falsehoods of the past. We cannot change what has already happened, but we can choose what we carry with us as we move forward.
Welcome A New Beginning
The passing of the old year gives us an opportunity to look ahead with renewed hope. A new beginning can encourage us to make positive changes and approach the future with a different outlook.
Choose Truth, Kindness, And Goodness
Tennyson does not simply wish for a new year; he wishes for a better way of living. His words encourage truth, kindness, fairness, and a greater concern for the good of others.
Leave Conflict Behind
The poet longs for an end to division, pride, slander, and strife. His message reminds us that progress begins when we are willing to replace bitterness with understanding and treat one another with greater compassion.
Look Toward The Light
The final lines turn toward spiritual renewal as Tennyson calls for darkness to be replaced by light. They leave us with the hope that faith, love, and goodness can guide us toward a better future.

Popular Pages

Continue with poems and quotes about new beginnings, hope, letting go of the past, and looking toward the future with faith and encouragement.

Begin the year with encouraging words of hope and possibility with New Years Wish, a reminder to look ahead with a positive heart.

Like Tennyson's call to ring out the old, this Letting Go Poem offers encouragement to release what is behind you and move forward with a lighter heart.

Tennyson longs for an end to strife, and these Poems On Conflict offer more thoughts about disagreement, understanding, and finding a more peaceful way forward.

When you need encouragement to believe that brighter days are possible, these Poems About Hope offer reassuring words to help you keep looking forward.

The final line of Tennyson's poem turns toward Christ, making these Poems About Jesus a meaningful collection for reflecting on His love, guidance, and light.

Look beyond today with these Quotes About The Future, offering encouraging thoughts about change, possibility, and what may still lie ahead.

Tennyson's hope for a "larger heart" and "kindlier hand" is reflected in these Quotes About Compassion about treating others with kindness, patience, and care.

Conclusion

As we reflect on Tennyson’s words, we are reminded that each year offers a gentle turning of the page. His poem encourages us to release what weighs us down and to welcome what brings light, truth, and goodness. When we step into a new season with open hearts, we create space for hope, renewal, and the promise of better days. May these verses inspire you to look ahead with courage and faith, believing that the year to come can hold blessings, growth, and new joy.

More New Year Poems to Encourage