Christmas In The Trenches Guitar Chords And Lyrics
The sheet music and an mp3 is included plus the tin whistle notes and mandolin tab. Written by (John McCutcheon) music time signature 4/4 , guitar work by Marc. This Christmas song was born out of the first world war when German and British soldiers called an unofficial truce for a few days at Christmas. There are many songs dealing with this period and this one is about a young man from Liverpool in England who ends up in France fighting for king and country. In the middle of the battle a silence hung over the battlefield and German and British troops exchanged gifts and sang Christmas songs. The singer in the youtube video is the songwriter John McCutcheon.
My (D)name is Francis (Bm)Tolliver. I (G)come from Liver(Em)pool.
Two (A)years ago the war was waiting (G)for me after (D)school.
To Belgium and to (Bm)Flanders, to (G)Germany to (Em)here,
I (A)fought for King and country I love (D)dear.
It was (A)Christmas in the trenches where the (G)frost so bitter (D)hung.
The (Bm)frozen fields of (F#m)France were still, no (G)Christmas song was (A)sung.
Our (D)families back in (Bm)England were (G)toasting us that (Em)day,
Their (A)brave and glorious lads so far a(D)way.
I was (D)lyin' with my (Bm)mess-mate on the (G)cold and rocky (Em)ground
When a(A)cross the lines of battle came a (G)most peculiar (D)sound.
Says I "Now listen (Bm)up me boy", each (G)soldier strained to (Em)hear
As (A)one young German voice sang out so (D)clear.
"He's (A)singin' bloody well you know", my (G)partner says to (D)me.
Soon (Bm)one by one each (F#m)German voice (G)joined in in harmo(A)ny.
The (D)cannons rested (Bm)silent. The (G)gas cloud rolled no (Em)more
As (A)Christmas brought us respite from the (D)war.
As (D)soon as they were (Bm)finished a (G)reverent pause was (Em)spent.
'God (A)rest ye merry ,gentlemen' struck (G)up some lads from (D)Kent.
The next they sang was (Bm)'Stille Nacht". "T’is (G)'Silent Night'" says (Em)I
And (A)in two toungues one song filled up that (D)sky.
"There's (A)someone commin' towards us" the (G) front-line sentry (D)cried.
All (Bm)sights were fixed on (F#m)one lone figure (G)trudging from their (A)side.
His (D)truce flag, like a (Bm)Christmas star, shone (G)on that plain so (Em)bright
As he (A)bravely strode, unarmed, into the (D)night.
Then (D)one by one on (Bm)either side walked (G)into no-mans-(Em)land
With (A)neither gun nor bayonet we (G)met there hand to (D)hand.
We shared some secret (Bm)brandy and (G)wished each other (Em)well
And in a (A)flare-lit soccer game we gave 'em (D)hell.
We (A)traded chocolates, cigarettes and (G)photographs from (D)home
These (Bm)sons and fathers (F#m)far away from (G)families of their (A)own.
Young (D)Sanders played his (Bm)squeeze box and they (G)had a vio(Em)lin
This (A)curious and unlikely band of (D)men.
Instrumental Bridge (Air of ‘The Minstrel Boy’)
D-Bm-D-G D-Bm-A-D
Soon (D)daylight stole u(Bm)pon us and (G)France was France once (Em)more.
With (A)sad farewells we each began to (G)settle back to (D)war.
But the question haunted (Bm)every heart that (G)lived that wonderous (Em)night
"Whose (A)family have I fixed within my (D)sights?"
It was (A)Christmas in the trenches where the (G)frost so bitter (D)hung.
The (Bm)frozen fields of (F#m)France were warmed as (G)songs of peace were (A)sung.
For the (D)walls they'd kept bet(Bm)ween us to e(G)xact the work of (Em)war
Had been (A)crumbled and were gone forever (D)more.
D-G-Em-F#m Em-A-A7-D
My (D)name is Francis (Bm)Tolliver. In (G)Liverpool I (Em)dwell.
Each (A)Christmas come since World War One I've (G)learned it's lessons (D)well.
That the ones who call the (Bm)shots won't be a(G)mong the dead and (Em)lame
And on (A)each end of the rifle we're the (D)same.
Instrumental Bridge
D-Bm-D-G D-Bm-A-D
D-G-Em-F#m Em-A-A7-D
Two (A)years ago the war was waiting (G)for me after (D)school.
To Belgium and to (Bm)Flanders, to (G)Germany to (Em)here,
I (A)fought for King and country I love (D)dear.
It was (A)Christmas in the trenches where the (G)frost so bitter (D)hung.
The (Bm)frozen fields of (F#m)France were still, no (G)Christmas song was (A)sung.
Our (D)families back in (Bm)England were (G)toasting us that (Em)day,
Their (A)brave and glorious lads so far a(D)way.
I was (D)lyin' with my (Bm)mess-mate on the (G)cold and rocky (Em)ground
When a(A)cross the lines of battle came a (G)most peculiar (D)sound.
Says I "Now listen (Bm)up me boy", each (G)soldier strained to (Em)hear
As (A)one young German voice sang out so (D)clear.
"He's (A)singin' bloody well you know", my (G)partner says to (D)me.
Soon (Bm)one by one each (F#m)German voice (G)joined in in harmo(A)ny.
The (D)cannons rested (Bm)silent. The (G)gas cloud rolled no (Em)more
As (A)Christmas brought us respite from the (D)war.
As (D)soon as they were (Bm)finished a (G)reverent pause was (Em)spent.
'God (A)rest ye merry ,gentlemen' struck (G)up some lads from (D)Kent.
The next they sang was (Bm)'Stille Nacht". "T’is (G)'Silent Night'" says (Em)I
And (A)in two toungues one song filled up that (D)sky.
"There's (A)someone commin' towards us" the (G) front-line sentry (D)cried.
All (Bm)sights were fixed on (F#m)one lone figure (G)trudging from their (A)side.
His (D)truce flag, like a (Bm)Christmas star, shone (G)on that plain so (Em)bright
As he (A)bravely strode, unarmed, into the (D)night.
Then (D)one by one on (Bm)either side walked (G)into no-mans-(Em)land
With (A)neither gun nor bayonet we (G)met there hand to (D)hand.
We shared some secret (Bm)brandy and (G)wished each other (Em)well
And in a (A)flare-lit soccer game we gave 'em (D)hell.
We (A)traded chocolates, cigarettes and (G)photographs from (D)home
These (Bm)sons and fathers (F#m)far away from (G)families of their (A)own.
Young (D)Sanders played his (Bm)squeeze box and they (G)had a vio(Em)lin
This (A)curious and unlikely band of (D)men.
Instrumental Bridge (Air of ‘The Minstrel Boy’)
D-Bm-D-G D-Bm-A-D
Soon (D)daylight stole u(Bm)pon us and (G)France was France once (Em)more.
With (A)sad farewells we each began to (G)settle back to (D)war.
But the question haunted (Bm)every heart that (G)lived that wonderous (Em)night
"Whose (A)family have I fixed within my (D)sights?"
It was (A)Christmas in the trenches where the (G)frost so bitter (D)hung.
The (Bm)frozen fields of (F#m)France were warmed as (G)songs of peace were (A)sung.
For the (D)walls they'd kept bet(Bm)ween us to e(G)xact the work of (Em)war
Had been (A)crumbled and were gone forever (D)more.
D-G-Em-F#m Em-A-A7-D
My (D)name is Francis (Bm)Tolliver. In (G)Liverpool I (Em)dwell.
Each (A)Christmas come since World War One I've (G)learned it's lessons (D)well.
That the ones who call the (Bm)shots won't be a(G)mong the dead and (Em)lame
And on (A)each end of the rifle we're the (D)same.
Instrumental Bridge
D-Bm-D-G D-Bm-A-D
D-G-Em-F#m Em-A-A7-D
🎸 — here’s a gentle fingerpicked intro tab for “Christmas in the Trenches” in G Major, designed to flow right into your first verse.
It’s simple, playable on acoustic or nylon-string, and keeps that reflective Christmas ballad feel.
🎶 “Christmas in the Trenches” — Fingerpicked Intro (Key of G)Tempo: ♩ = ~80
Time Signature: 4/4
Tuning: Standard (EADGBE)
🎸 TABG C D G e|--------3---------|--------0---------|--------2---------|--------3---------| B|------0---0-------|------1---1-------|------3---3-------|------0---0-------| G|----0-------0-----|----0-------0-----|----2-------2-----|----0-------0-----| D|------------------|------------------|--0---------------|------------------| A|------------------|--3---------------|------------------|--2---------------| E|--3---------------|------------------|------------------|--3---------------| Em C G D e|--------0---------|--------0---------|--------3---------|--------2---------| B|------0---0-------|------1---1-------|------0---0-------|------3---3-------| G|----0-------0-----|----0-------0-----|----0-------0-----|----2-------2-----| D|------------------|------------------|------------------|--0---------------| A|------------------|--3---------------|--2---------------|------------------| E|--0---------------|------------------|--3---------------|------------------| G (to begin Verse) e|--------3---------| B|------0---0-------| G|----0-------0-----| D|------------------| A|------------------| E|--3---------------|
💡 How to Play It
🎵 Transition Into VerseWhen you reach the final G chord, keep the fingerpicking rolling and begin to sing:
My (G)name is Francis (Em)Tolliver, I (C)come from Liver(Am)pool... The rhythm from the intro flows seamlessly into the verse pattern we discussed earlier.
Would you like me to extend this into a 4-bar outro fingerpicking tab too — one that mirrors the intro but ends softly on a G chord (perfect for closing the song)?
It’s simple, playable on acoustic or nylon-string, and keeps that reflective Christmas ballad feel.
🎶 “Christmas in the Trenches” — Fingerpicked Intro (Key of G)Tempo: ♩ = ~80
Time Signature: 4/4
Tuning: Standard (EADGBE)
🎸 TABG C D G e|--------3---------|--------0---------|--------2---------|--------3---------| B|------0---0-------|------1---1-------|------3---3-------|------0---0-------| G|----0-------0-----|----0-------0-----|----2-------2-----|----0-------0-----| D|------------------|------------------|--0---------------|------------------| A|------------------|--3---------------|------------------|--2---------------| E|--3---------------|------------------|------------------|--3---------------| Em C G D e|--------0---------|--------0---------|--------3---------|--------2---------| B|------0---0-------|------1---1-------|------0---0-------|------3---3-------| G|----0-------0-----|----0-------0-----|----0-------0-----|----2-------2-----| D|------------------|------------------|------------------|--0---------------| A|------------------|--3---------------|--2---------------|------------------| E|--0---------------|------------------|--3---------------|------------------| G (to begin Verse) e|--------3---------| B|------0---0-------| G|----0-------0-----| D|------------------| A|------------------| E|--3---------------|
💡 How to Play It
- Use thumb (P) for bass (E, A, D strings).
- Index (I) on G string, middle (M) on B, ring (A) on high E.
- Let each note ring into the next — no sharp stops.
- Keep a steady pulse: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
🎵 Transition Into VerseWhen you reach the final G chord, keep the fingerpicking rolling and begin to sing:
My (G)name is Francis (Em)Tolliver, I (C)come from Liver(Am)pool... The rhythm from the intro flows seamlessly into the verse pattern we discussed earlier.
Would you like me to extend this into a 4-bar outro fingerpicking tab too — one that mirrors the intro but ends softly on a G chord (perfect for closing the song)?
🎵 Christmas in the Trenches(Key: G Major)
Verse 1My (G)name is Francis (Em)Tolliver, I (C)come from Liver(Am)pool,
Two (D)years ago the war was waiting (C)for me after (G)school.
To Belgium and to (Em)Flanders, to (C)Germany to (Am)here,
I (D)fought for King and country I love (G)dear.
It was (D)Christmas in the trenches where the (C)frost so bitter (G)hung,
The (Em)frozen fields of (Bm)France were still, no (C)Christmas song was (D)sung.
Our (G)families back in (Em)England were (C)toasting us that (Am)day,
Their (D)brave and glorious lads so far a(G)way.
Verse 2I was (G)lyin' with my (Em)mess-mate on the (C)cold and rocky (Am)ground,
When a(D)cross the lines of battle came a (C)most peculiar (G)sound. Says I,
"Now listen (Em)up me boy," each (C)soldier strained to (Am)hear,
As (D)one young German voice sang out so (G)clear. "He's (D)singin'
bloody well, you know," my (C)partner says to (G)me,
Soon (Em)one by one each (Bm)German voice (C)joined in in harmo(D)ny.
The (G)cannons rested (Em)silent, the (C)gas cloud rolled no (Am)more,
As (D)Christmas brought us respite from the (G)war.
Verse 3As (G)soon as they were (Em)finished, a (C)reverent pause was (Am)spent,
'God (D)Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' struck (C)up some lads from (G)Kent.
The next they sang was (Em)'Stille Nacht'--"T'is (C)'Silent Night'," says (Am)I,
And (D)in two tongues one song filled up that (G)sky. "
There's (D)someone comin' towards us," the (C)front-line sentry (G)cried,
All (Em)sights were fixed on (Bm)one lone figure (C)trudging from their (D)side.
His (G)truce flag, like a (Em)Christmas star, shone (C)on that plain so (Am)bright,
As he (D)bravely strode, unarmed, into the (G)night.
Verse 4Then (G)one by one on (Em)either side walked (C)into no-man's (Am)land,
With (D)neither gun nor bayonet we (C)met there hand to (G)hand.
We shared some secret (Em)brandy and (C)wished each other (Am)well,
And in a (D)flare-lit soccer game we gave 'em (G)hell.
We (D)traded chocolates, cigarettes, and (C)photographs from (G)home,
These (Em)sons and fathers (Bm)far away from (C)families of their (D)own.
Young (G)Sanders played his (Em)squeezebox and they (C)had a vio(Am)lin,
This (D)curious and unlikely band of (G)men.
Instrumental BridgeG–Em–G–C G–Em–D–G
Verse 5Soon (G)daylight stole u(Em)pon us and (C)France was France once (Am)more,
With (D)sad farewells we each began to (C)settle back to (G)war.
But the question haunted (Em)every heart that (C)lived that wondrous (Am)night:
"Whose (D)family have I fixed within my (G)sight?" It was (D)Christmas in the trenches
where the (C)frost so bitter (G)hung, The (Em)frozen fields of (Bm)France were warmed
as (C)songs of peace were (D)sung. For the (G)walls they'd kept be(Em)tween
us to e(C)xact the work of (Am)war Had been (D)crumbled and were gone forever (G)more.
Final VerseMy (G)name is Francis (Em)Tolliver, in (C)Liverpool I (Am)dwell,
Each (D)Christmas come since World War One I've (C)learned its lessons (G)well.
That the ones who call the (Em)shots won't be a(C)mong the dead and (Am)lame,
And on (D)each end of the rifle we're the (G)same.
Instrumental EndingG–Em–G–C G–Em–D–G G–C–Am–Bm Am–D–D7–G
Verse 1My (G)name is Francis (Em)Tolliver, I (C)come from Liver(Am)pool,
Two (D)years ago the war was waiting (C)for me after (G)school.
To Belgium and to (Em)Flanders, to (C)Germany to (Am)here,
I (D)fought for King and country I love (G)dear.
It was (D)Christmas in the trenches where the (C)frost so bitter (G)hung,
The (Em)frozen fields of (Bm)France were still, no (C)Christmas song was (D)sung.
Our (G)families back in (Em)England were (C)toasting us that (Am)day,
Their (D)brave and glorious lads so far a(G)way.
Verse 2I was (G)lyin' with my (Em)mess-mate on the (C)cold and rocky (Am)ground,
When a(D)cross the lines of battle came a (C)most peculiar (G)sound. Says I,
"Now listen (Em)up me boy," each (C)soldier strained to (Am)hear,
As (D)one young German voice sang out so (G)clear. "He's (D)singin'
bloody well, you know," my (C)partner says to (G)me,
Soon (Em)one by one each (Bm)German voice (C)joined in in harmo(D)ny.
The (G)cannons rested (Em)silent, the (C)gas cloud rolled no (Am)more,
As (D)Christmas brought us respite from the (G)war.
Verse 3As (G)soon as they were (Em)finished, a (C)reverent pause was (Am)spent,
'God (D)Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' struck (C)up some lads from (G)Kent.
The next they sang was (Em)'Stille Nacht'--"T'is (C)'Silent Night'," says (Am)I,
And (D)in two tongues one song filled up that (G)sky. "
There's (D)someone comin' towards us," the (C)front-line sentry (G)cried,
All (Em)sights were fixed on (Bm)one lone figure (C)trudging from their (D)side.
His (G)truce flag, like a (Em)Christmas star, shone (C)on that plain so (Am)bright,
As he (D)bravely strode, unarmed, into the (G)night.
Verse 4Then (G)one by one on (Em)either side walked (C)into no-man's (Am)land,
With (D)neither gun nor bayonet we (C)met there hand to (G)hand.
We shared some secret (Em)brandy and (C)wished each other (Am)well,
And in a (D)flare-lit soccer game we gave 'em (G)hell.
We (D)traded chocolates, cigarettes, and (C)photographs from (G)home,
These (Em)sons and fathers (Bm)far away from (C)families of their (D)own.
Young (G)Sanders played his (Em)squeezebox and they (C)had a vio(Am)lin,
This (D)curious and unlikely band of (G)men.
Instrumental BridgeG–Em–G–C G–Em–D–G
Verse 5Soon (G)daylight stole u(Em)pon us and (C)France was France once (Am)more,
With (D)sad farewells we each began to (C)settle back to (G)war.
But the question haunted (Em)every heart that (C)lived that wondrous (Am)night:
"Whose (D)family have I fixed within my (G)sight?" It was (D)Christmas in the trenches
where the (C)frost so bitter (G)hung, The (Em)frozen fields of (Bm)France were warmed
as (C)songs of peace were (D)sung. For the (G)walls they'd kept be(Em)tween
us to e(C)xact the work of (Am)war Had been (D)crumbled and were gone forever (G)more.
Final VerseMy (G)name is Francis (Em)Tolliver, in (C)Liverpool I (Am)dwell,
Each (D)Christmas come since World War One I've (C)learned its lessons (G)well.
That the ones who call the (Em)shots won't be a(C)mong the dead and (Am)lame,
And on (D)each end of the rifle we're the (G)same.
Instrumental EndingG–Em–G–C G–Em–D–G G–C–Am–Bm Am–D–D7–G
🎸 Strumming Guide for “Christmas in the Trenches” (G Major)Tempo: ~80–90 BPM
Time signature: 4/4
Mood: Reflective, gentle march — like a slow heartbeat
🥁 Step 1: Feel the beatCount 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and steadily.
Tap your foot — that’s your downbeat (↓).
🎵 Step 2: Base pattern (the “folk ballad” strum)↓ ↓ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↑ 1 2 & & 4 & Say it as:
Down… Down-Up… Up-Down-Up
This is the DDUUDU pattern — one of the most versatile and natural for slow to mid-tempo folk songs.
🎧 Step 3: Apply to the songTry this with the opening lines:
My (G)name is Francis (Em)Tolliver, I (C)come from Liver(Am)pool, Two (D)years ago the war was waiting (C)for me after (G)school.
🪶 Step 4: Add dynamicsThe verses tell a story — so:
💡 Optional VariationsIf you want a simpler start:
Time signature: 4/4
Mood: Reflective, gentle march — like a slow heartbeat
🥁 Step 1: Feel the beatCount 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and steadily.
Tap your foot — that’s your downbeat (↓).
🎵 Step 2: Base pattern (the “folk ballad” strum)↓ ↓ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↑ 1 2 & & 4 & Say it as:
Down… Down-Up… Up-Down-Up
This is the DDUUDU pattern — one of the most versatile and natural for slow to mid-tempo folk songs.
🎧 Step 3: Apply to the songTry this with the opening lines:
My (G)name is Francis (Em)Tolliver, I (C)come from Liver(Am)pool, Two (D)years ago the war was waiting (C)for me after (G)school.
- On each chord symbol, do one DDUUDU pattern.
- Lighten your touch — think brush the strings, not hit them.
- Accent slightly on beats 2 and 4 for a natural sway.
🪶 Step 4: Add dynamicsThe verses tell a story — so:
- First verse: soft, just brushing downstrokes (↓ ↓ ↓ ↓)
- Middle verses: fuller DDUUDU pattern
- Final verse: gentle again, maybe fingerpick or single slow downstrokes to end tenderly
💡 Optional VariationsIf you want a simpler start:
- Beginner pattern: ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ (one per beat)
- Intermediate folk pattern: ↓ ↓ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↑
- Add percussive mute: Palm lightly on strings for a “chug” feel: ↓ (chop) ↑ ↑ ↓ ↑
🎸 Fingerpicking Pattern (4/4 Folk Ballad Style)🎵 The Pattern (P – I – M – A notation)
| 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & | | P I M P I M | Or if you prefer a “rolling” version:
Thumb → Index → Middle → Ring → Middle → Index → Thumb → Middle
🎼 Example with ChordsFor a slow 4/4 rhythm:
G Em e|---------3-----------|---------0-----------| B|-------0---0---------|-------0---0---------| G|-----0-------0-------|-----0-------0-------| D|---------------------|---------------------| A|-----------------2---|-----------------2---| E|-3-------------------|---------------------| P I M A M I P M P I M A M I P M
💡 Chord Roots (Thumb notes)ChordThumb plays onG6th string (E)
C5th string (A)
D4th string (D)
Em6th string (E)
Am5th string (A)You can alternate between two bass notes for a more natural motion:
🎶 Apply to the Song (first lines)My (G)name is Francis (Em)Tolliver, I (C)come from Liver(Am)pool, Two (D)years ago the war was waiting (C)for me after (G)school. 👉 For each chord, gently pick:
Bass (P) → I → M → A → M → I → Bass → M Let the notes ring and overlap — don’t rush.
🌙 Tone Tips
🎵 Optional Variation (for chorus or emotional moments)Add an arpeggio sweep:
↓ (P–I–M–A–M–I–P–A) Or mix in a light thumb-strum on beats 1 and 3 for emphasis.
- P (thumb): bass string (E, A, or D — depending on chord root)
- I (index): 3rd string (G)
- M (middle): 2nd string (B)
- A (ring): 1st string (high E)
| 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & | | P I M P I M | Or if you prefer a “rolling” version:
Thumb → Index → Middle → Ring → Middle → Index → Thumb → Middle
🎼 Example with ChordsFor a slow 4/4 rhythm:
G Em e|---------3-----------|---------0-----------| B|-------0---0---------|-------0---0---------| G|-----0-------0-------|-----0-------0-------| D|---------------------|---------------------| A|-----------------2---|-----------------2---| E|-3-------------------|---------------------| P I M A M I P M P I M A M I P M
💡 Chord Roots (Thumb notes)ChordThumb plays onG6th string (E)
C5th string (A)
D4th string (D)
Em6th string (E)
Am5th string (A)You can alternate between two bass notes for a more natural motion:
- G → 6th → 4th
- C → 5th → 4th
- D → 4th → 3rd
- Em → 6th → 4th
- Am → 5th → 4th
🎶 Apply to the Song (first lines)My (G)name is Francis (Em)Tolliver, I (C)come from Liver(Am)pool, Two (D)years ago the war was waiting (C)for me after (G)school. 👉 For each chord, gently pick:
Bass (P) → I → M → A → M → I → Bass → M Let the notes ring and overlap — don’t rush.
🌙 Tone Tips
- Rest your palm lightly near the bridge for warmth.
- Keep your thumb slightly forward of your fingers for control.
- If it feels too busy, just do P–I–M–A (thumb, index, middle, ring) once per beat — a simple 4-beat roll.
🎵 Optional Variation (for chorus or emotional moments)Add an arpeggio sweep:
↓ (P–I–M–A–M–I–P–A) Or mix in a light thumb-strum on beats 1 and 3 for emphasis.
Christmas in the trenches lyrics
Christmas in the trenches sheet music
Tin whistle tab in D
And below is the mandolin / tenor banjo tab in G Major.
Christmas in the trenches sheet music and tin whistle notes
My name is Francis Tolliver. I come from Liverpool.
Two years ago the war was waiting for me after school.
To Belgium and to Flanders, to Germany to here,
I fought for King and country I love dear.
It was Christmas in the trenches where the frost so bitter hung.
The frozen fields of France were still, no Christmas song was sung.
Our families back in England were toasting us that day,
Their brave and glorious lads so far away.
I was lyin' with my mess-mate on the cold and rocky ground
When across the lines of battle came a most peculiar sound.
Says I "Now listen up me boy", each soldier strained to hear
As one young German voice sang out so clear.
"He's singin' bloody well you know", my partner says to me.
Soon one by one each German voice joined in in harmony.
The cannons rested silent. The gas cloud rolled no more
As Christmas brought us respite from the war.
As soon as they were finished a reverent pause was spent.
'God rest ye merry ,gentlemen' struck up some lads from Kent.
The next they sang was 'Stille Nacht". "T’is 'Silent Night'" says I
And in two tongues one song filled up that sky.
"There's someone commin' towards us" the front-line sentry cried.
All sights were fixed on one lone figure trudging from their side.
His truce flag, like a Christmas star, shone on that plain so bright
As he bravely strode, unarmed, into the night.
Then one by one on either side walked into no-mans-land
With neither gun nor bayonet we met there hand to hand.
We shared some secret brandy and wished each other well
And in a flare-lit soccer game we gave 'em hell.
We traded chocolates, cigarettes and photographs from home
These sons and fathers far away from families of their own.
Young Sanders played his squeeze box and they had a violin
This curious and unlikely band of men.
Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more.
With sad farewells we each began to settle back to war.
But the question haunted every heart that lived that wondrous night
"Whose family have I fixed within my sights?"
It was Christmas in the trenches where the frost so bitter hung.
The frozen fields of France were warmed as songs of peace were sung.
For the walls they'd kept between us to exact the work of war
Had been crumbled and were gone forever more.
My name is Francis Tolliver. In Liverpool I dwell.
Each Christmas come since World War One I've learned it's lessons well.
That the ones who call the shots won't be among the dead and lame
And on each end of the rifle we're the same.
Return to Lyrics And Chords C-F
Two years ago the war was waiting for me after school.
To Belgium and to Flanders, to Germany to here,
I fought for King and country I love dear.
It was Christmas in the trenches where the frost so bitter hung.
The frozen fields of France were still, no Christmas song was sung.
Our families back in England were toasting us that day,
Their brave and glorious lads so far away.
I was lyin' with my mess-mate on the cold and rocky ground
When across the lines of battle came a most peculiar sound.
Says I "Now listen up me boy", each soldier strained to hear
As one young German voice sang out so clear.
"He's singin' bloody well you know", my partner says to me.
Soon one by one each German voice joined in in harmony.
The cannons rested silent. The gas cloud rolled no more
As Christmas brought us respite from the war.
As soon as they were finished a reverent pause was spent.
'God rest ye merry ,gentlemen' struck up some lads from Kent.
The next they sang was 'Stille Nacht". "T’is 'Silent Night'" says I
And in two tongues one song filled up that sky.
"There's someone commin' towards us" the front-line sentry cried.
All sights were fixed on one lone figure trudging from their side.
His truce flag, like a Christmas star, shone on that plain so bright
As he bravely strode, unarmed, into the night.
Then one by one on either side walked into no-mans-land
With neither gun nor bayonet we met there hand to hand.
We shared some secret brandy and wished each other well
And in a flare-lit soccer game we gave 'em hell.
We traded chocolates, cigarettes and photographs from home
These sons and fathers far away from families of their own.
Young Sanders played his squeeze box and they had a violin
This curious and unlikely band of men.
Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more.
With sad farewells we each began to settle back to war.
But the question haunted every heart that lived that wondrous night
"Whose family have I fixed within my sights?"
It was Christmas in the trenches where the frost so bitter hung.
The frozen fields of France were warmed as songs of peace were sung.
For the walls they'd kept between us to exact the work of war
Had been crumbled and were gone forever more.
My name is Francis Tolliver. In Liverpool I dwell.
Each Christmas come since World War One I've learned it's lessons well.
That the ones who call the shots won't be among the dead and lame
And on each end of the rifle we're the same.
Return to Lyrics And Chords C-F
Christmas In The Trenches Sheet Music Notes In G Major
