Christmas in the Trenches - written and performed by John McCutcheon
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- Опубликовано: 22 окт 2024
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Christmas in the Trenches - John McCutcheon
Christmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheon
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.
'Twas 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 lying with my messmate on the cold and rocky ground
When across the lines of battle came a most peculiar sound
Says I, "Now listen up, me boys!" each soldier strained to hear
As one young German voice sang out so clear.
"He's singing bloody well, you know!" my partner says to me
Soon, one by one, each German voice joined in harmony
The cannons rested silent, the gas clouds rolled no more
As Christmas brought us respite from the war
As soon as they were finished and a reverent pause was spent
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" struck up some lads from Kent
The next they sang was "Stille Nacht." "Tis 'Silent Night'," says I
And in two tongues one song filled up that sky
"There's someone coming toward us!" the front line sentry cried
All sights were fixed on one long figure trudging from their side
His truce flag, like a Christmas star, shown on that plain so bright
As he, bravely, strode unarmed into the night
Soon one by one on either side walked into No Man's Land
With neither gun nor bayonet we met there hand to hand
We shared some secret brandy and we 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 squeezebox 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 prepared to settle back to war
But the question haunted every heart that lived that wonderous night
"Whose family have I fixed within my sights?"
'Twas 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 forevermore
My name is Francis Tolliver, in Liverpool I dwell
Each Christmas come since World War I, I've learned its 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
© 1984 John McCutcheon - All rights reserved
![Christmas Truce of World War I -- Joyeux Noel [2005 film]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-cSrqRdlFeo/mqdefault.jpg)
Vietnam Vet here, this song damn, this song I can hardly listen without tears.
As a US Navy Veteran I cannot here this song without tearing up. This event(look it up) shows what can happen when people can meet Without Malice in their hearts and find True Goodwill towards their fellow man.
Lest We Forget
James Carter thank you for serving so i can have my freedom and this song made me tear up to bc everyone should lissen to this amazing song
I drew 303 at the end of my time to go to the Nam. After marriage and a son and deferments for being a student. Lost three HS friends, protested the lot of war and civil rights issues and yes how can you not tear up to this beautiful symbol of hell on earth!
Merry christmas James from one of ur Neighbors. Who lives in Canada(french CANADA).
But let's call us bothers from the new world.
Most men don't have "malice in their hearts." However, those who start the wars - usually for profit or some other sick reason - do. All the common man has to do is stop enlisting and doing the bidding of the psychopaths. Problem solved!!
I first heard this song many years ago. I bought John's cd. I play this for my family every year. I also play it for the Veterans who understand the song in ways I never will.
I still have the record.
This reminds me so much of Stan Rogers.
"On each end of the rifle, we're the same." Some of the best words I have heard. Merry Christmas, and may peace be with you.
This old hippie still thinks this is her favorite Christmas Song! Wouldn't it be a miracle to have one Christmas on this Earth with NO war, anywhere!
I heard of this incident while stationed in Germany in the early 1970’s. There was an article about it in Stars and Stripes, talking about the strange contacts between opposite sides.
It also told of another incident in WWII that I haven’t heard of elsewhere. In the street to street fighting in the last year of the war, a young American soldier was wounded and trapped in the middle of the road. He was calling for help, but no one could get to him...until a German burst forward from his position, and ran to the wounded GI, scooped him up, carried him to the American lines, dumped him and ran back. The scene was frozen for o moment. I can’t remember now if the engagement broke off then, or if it resumed, but I do remember that all of the Amis were practically struck dumb with the realization of what they had seen. The commanding officer reported it, but was told by higher to keep it quiet. That wasn’t the image they needed us to have of the enemy.
I cannot vouch for the veracity of the story; it was published in the USAREUR edition of Stars and Stripes in 1974 or 75.
I remember a particular story from a bunch that was aired during the Band of Brothers series which came out a decade or so ago. This old timer with bad burn scars on his face and hands said that he got them in battle. He was just sitting there waiting to die when a German soldier happened upon him. Thinking was done for, the German instead cleaned and bandaged him up then moved on. Eventually an American outfit found him. Even this many years later, he said every so often he'd wake in the middle of the night and say to himself "I wonder what ever happened to that guy?" I think I'll remember that one for the duration.
Couple years late, but check out the Brown-Stigler incident. Same thing, where an act of humanity by a German was covered up by allied high command. The band, Sabaton, has a great song about the incident called "No Bullets Fly." I highly recommend reading about the incident, and see the video of the reunion between the two pilots, Charlie Brown (yes), and Franz Stigler.
Something similar happened in my country during the Civil War in 1936, at Christmas too. It's so sad that young guys have to die because some people decides to declare war on a country or countries, and even worst, in my opinion, a civil war that is brothers against brothers.
And now with the invasion of Ukraine we going backwards again!
As a veteran who went off to the sounds of drums after high school, I must add my thanks for this awesome song...
This rates right up there with Eric Bogles' "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda"!!!
I was privileged to enjoy a magic evening with John at Hindman Settlement School when John still had hair. I was enthralled with the way one single performer could fill the room with music. His gift is a true American treasure.
I saw him in a living room concert in Brookfield CT over 30 years ago. I also was enthralled
Sybil, that's where I first saw John. Back when Mike Mullins was still Director.
@@clauderatliff2779 I 1st met John at Berea Christmas Dance School. Mike M and I were classmates at Berea College while Raymond McLain was at Hindman.
An alternative for anyone who wants more than Dominick the Donkey or Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer this Christmas. On Veterans Day, this is as powerful as music gets imo. I'm pretty sure I've never listened to this without tears.
I grew up with my dad singing and playing this song to me at bedtime. It is still his favorite. I am now blessed to share this with my children, any time of the year. Just shared it with my 7th grader as a WWI test prep. A reminder of how history is recorded in many forms. This one carries the soul of the past so painfully yet beautifully and links us to our past in our own hearts. I had a great grandfather who fought in those trenches. His history is brought to us again in this song. Thank you for the video.
Saw him as a child, barely a teenager, I think, and I bought his tape. I served over 24 years. It is a happy childhood memory, and I've spent three Christmases in Iraq as a Marine, and one as a contractor. I am so glad that this song can be found on youtube, I hope my child who is serving now will get a chance to hear it.
So greatful that John McCutcheon allowed me to post this, from a KBCS Public Radio Bellevue, DVD that was recorded here in Seattle.
Kim Murphy Thank-You for being inspired to ask and post it! Yours and Johns’ efforts -sound the yet all too rare notes of
Loves Truth- they resonate profoundly, within The Heart of our humanity...At a concert w him one night he told the story of another concert in Europe where three German men quite elderly, were leaving his show during an intermission after he performed the song. They had been in for two other performances. He hopped off stage to ask them who they were and why they came. They told him they were there, that Christmas Eve, he was singing about them...God Bless you John, for Blessing all of us w your inspiration...
Ive heard that story and it was beautifully told. @@keithwilbert2102
I don't know how we plays and sings this w/o tears, I cry every time I hear it.
i tracked down this beautiful song again which i taped off the radio but lost . i m so glad i ve found it again.
peace to all
This needs more views. So many don't know this story.
I first heard this song 25 years ago. Every time I hear it it still brings a tear to my eye and stands the hair up on my arms!❤❤❤
So elegantly profound and tenderly, affectionately sung, his song remains one of the best antiwar anthems ever rendered. Peace on Earth, Happy Christmas to all.
"In two tongues one song filled up the sky"'
"Twas 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 for evermore."
"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."
Three of my favorite parts from this song...
If I tried to put them all in there, it would include pretty much every single word. God bless serving soldiers everywhere. And God bless John McCutcheon for writing this song so well.
Wow! What a profound event and great song. On this Christmas morning I am moved to tears and wishing for peace on Earth.
One of my favorite Christmas songs. As we light the Advent candle of peace in Church this morning
We listened to this in history class last week and it's my new favorite Christmas song
I have had this song in my heart since the first time I heard it. I think it was John McCann who introduced me to it. Probably almost 30 years ago. Tonight I recited it at out Wednesday Songs and Stories night. We had a few German friends. It went well. In Northern Ireland!! Thanks for writing this song. One person approached me and told me her grandfather told her of this!. Perhaps great grandfather, but she had only heard the stories, not this song. She will now learn tell song. Powerful, beautiful and immensely heartbreaking! Thank you John. X
It's the truth we all know, but no person in charge of the wars wants to admit: we're all human.
"What if there was a war and nobody came?"
Funny... Those exact words are written (in Norwegian) on the walls of a shed along the route of the train I ride to school every day... Do you happen to know their origin?
David André Thu It was an antiwar slogan from the 60's along with, "War is bad for children and other living things"
Then one group of people would eventually say to it's poorest citizens "You want food? Take these guns and go take that land over there to be farmed." And they would take it and there would be war once again.
my brother had that peace button when I was a kid
What if they gave a war and nobody came?
A magical performance. Fortunate to have heard John over a few decades. Our son was a USAF Defense Attache at our embassy in Ha Noi. Their military were his friends.
Thanks to Star Trek, I learned that the musical interlude at 4:05 is the melody of the first line of The Minstrel Boy.
We just witnessed John McCutcheon Tuesday night at the Sierra Nevada Brewery Big Room (misnomer). Mr. McCutcheon sang this and a dozen other songs that all touched every heart in the room. During this song, I closed my eyes and felt tears literally streaming down my cheeks and I'm not one who cries easily or often. What a treasure.
There's a film, Joyeaux Noel, in French, German and English that is truly worth watching to remind us of this amazing moment in world history. Peace is worth not fighting for.
When I first heard this song from John some years ago, I googled info on it, and found that it was a common story up and down the front lines that year. Many of the soldiers ultimately had to be removed/replaced at the front line for they no longer effectively fight.............
We sing this every year in school for Christmas.
This song has always given me goosebumps - John, you are a master in composing lyrics. I love the little guitar solo as well - just beautiful.
He's a fine singer and flawless guitarist (I know...I teach guitar). Not a single missed note -- perfect.
I saw him do this live (he was maybe 15 feet away) some years back -- and it was even more moving live than this version on YT -- although this sounds great too!
Terrific composition and performance!
I love this tune...heard it back in the 1990s on a local public radio station. The host had told the story behind this song. From what I've read..it was based on a true acount..
Found it to be haunting.
I also learned of this song on my local NPR station. I share it every Christmas, along with the Sainsbury’s commercial about the same event.
Incredible and profound.
I end up weeping every time I hear this one too. The Christmas Truce was probably the last recorded example of true chivalry and decency in war.
this is the song that starts my Christmas time, reminds me of how good people can be and gives me hope for peace and love. God Bless us All. MERRY Christmas!
We had a project on this song that we had to do on iMovie at school, and it really touched mine and my friend's heart
Saw him as a child, barely a teenager, I think, and bought his tape. I served over 24 years. It is kind of a happy childhood memory, and I've spent three Christmases in Iraq as a Marine, and one as a contractor. I am so glad that this song can be found on youtube, I hope my child who is serving now will get a chance to hear it.
Thats my uncle John I"m so proud of him
I went to high school with Peter. I always figured it would be weird to tell him how much John's music had been a part of my childhood. I was probably wrong.
Such a moving and poignant tribute. The futility of war seems to be something we still don't understand.
Wonderful, original sung by John.
I head him perform this song live -- maybe 10 feet away -- in Miami Beach of all places (sort of folk music place in the 80s.)
As a guitarist, I learned his wonderful, understated guitar arrangement.
Thank you for posting this. One of my favorite performers with one of my favorite songs.
This is a wonderful song. Both my grandfathers (German) were serving at the Westfront and both died.
My great-uncle Roscoe Young was killed early in the morning of November 11, 1918. Totally senseless.
No more brother wars
Your great uncle's death was not senseless. He fought for democracy against fascism, that is why you can post what you want here without being taken away to be tortured and killed, you have a free vote and you can remove your lawmakers. If you want to see how life would have been without sacrifice, try spending a few months in Venezuela.
I am sorry. God bless!
@@TooToo-kt8gy - I'm sorry, but you are wrong.
War is ONLY here for the war profiteers.
They lie & tell people like you that it's to prevent XYZ & really the ONLY reason they start war is for their own pockets, or to rape the resources, land & gateway from one country to the next.
As for voting, it's ALL a scam.
In the US & in many other countries, the voting system is a farce & has been rigged since the 60's.
The people with the power decide who's going to be president YEARS before the election even takes place.
Anyone who votes is THE problem because they are voting in criminals to rule people who do NOT want to be controlled by psychopaths. People who KNOW how fake the entire system is.
People who want FREEDOM & Peace, NOT to be controlled by man made laws that ONLY affect the 99%.
Doesn't matter WHO you vote in, they are ALL the same.
Please educate yourself on what's REALLY going on & who REALLY rules the world & how there is no such thing as DEMOCRACY & never has been.
It's just propaganda you have been led to believe.
There are MANY books & videos on YT you can read/watch.
That's assuming it hasn't already been taken down since there's no such thing as FREE SPEECH.
I'm German and I play the Squeezbox and i cry every time i hear this performance. thank you very much!
Just remembering seeing McCutcheon & his brother-in-law (whose name & poodle-related book title I've forgotten - lost to the borrower) at Olsson's in old town, Alexandria. Bought the Winter Solstice LP then, the CD later, & have enjoyed the local concerts since - even after the family moved to Georgia. Recruited a friend to become a fan, & her family gives her John McCutcheon CDs now on birthdays. Such a great musician with both serious timeless messages, as well as good humor.
The most poignant lines of this song are the last two, in my opinion:
"Those who call the shots won't be among the dead and lame....
And on each end of the rife, we're the same."
A perfect song. Perfectly crafted, each word. Performed beautifully by John. First appearing on his "Winter Solstice" album (in *vinyl*) it has played many times during our Christmas holidays since 1985 & we always quiet down & just listen. This video is precious.
How great! Thank you for remembering as well as for me to learn about it
We have really no idea what this song means our grandfathers were there they never spoke of it merry christmas Willy Coskrey I love you dearly
What an awesome Christmas song.
Brilliant song. God Bless all who served.
Great voice and story teller . One of my favorites.
My Dad used to do this song!!I sooooo miss hearing him perform!!He died last July 5th. :-( I love him sooooooo much :-(
Easily the best and most beautiful anti war Christmas song. John McCutcheon is a legend as a singer and songwriter, Happy Christmas from Dublin to all John's fans out there!
Thank you for this classic song. It and "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" are my favorite anti-war songs. It's great to hear it again. Peace in 2010 !!!
Thank you to our Service Men and Woman and Veterans For Your Service
Oh my name is Francis Tolliver, I come from Liverpool
Two years ago the war was waiting for me after school
From Belgium and to Flanders, Germany to here
I fought for King and country I love dear
Twas Christmas in the trenches and the frost so bitter hung
The frozen fields of France where still no Christmas songs were sung
Our families back in England were toasting us that day
There brave and glorious lads so far away
I was lying with my mess mates on the cold and rocky ground
When across the lines of battle came a most peculiar sound
Says I now listen up me boys, each soldier strained to hear
As one young German voice sang out so clear
He's singing bloody well you know, my partner says to me
Soon one by one each German voice joined in in harmony
The cannons rested silent and the gas cloud rolled no more
As Christmas brought us respite from the war
As soon as they were finished and a reverent pause was spent
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen struck up some lads from Kent
The next thing sang was Stille Nach tis Silent Night says I
And in two tongues one song filled up that sky
There's someone coming towards us now the front line sentry said
All sights were fixed on one lone figure trudging from their side
His truce flag like a Christmas Star shone on the plane so bright
As he bravely trudged unarmed into the night
Always a favorite Christmas song. Merry Christmas to those in the trenches still.
One of my all-time favorite songs...a reminder to me that individuals don't start wars...Governments do.
This song makes me cry every time.
Aw, John. When you first sang this for us, you were cleanshaven and all fluffy-headed on stage at the Unitarian Church. We're growing old together. :) Good company.
I get chills every. time. I hear this. ❤️
Play this every Christmas. So beautiful.
This song changed my life.
Please tell us how it changed your life? For the better, I presume. Thanks,.
The most powerful Christmas song ever written. PEACE!
Ive never heard this song before, its beautifull, my great, great uncle faught at and survived the Somme, we still have his brass cigeratte box and service medals, gonna have to rob this and put it on FB since its Christmas Eve, happy christmas one and all, stay safe :-)
Still is, and always will be, the ultimate Christmas song for those of us who’ve spent this most special time away from our home plate.
My Favorite Christmas Song!! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
My great uncle at the age of 21 gave his life at 10:30 am November 11th 1918, those of you that understand that date know the the importance , many thank,s for this video and god speed to frank buckle the last.
I was talking with a friend a couple of weeks ago on Veterans Day who wasn't familiar with the significance of the date it is held on. One of the first things I told her about was all of the people like your great uncle who were killed during the final hours of the war. My grandfather was one of the ones fortunate enough to survive. In a war which was so destructive this was one of the most senseless and heartbreaking episodes of it all.
Such a powerful song and message, and especially so, this 100th anniversary of Armistice Day where we honor all our veterans from all wars, and the sacrifices they made for their countries.
Little has changed since 1914
Unfortunately, not enough!
Somehow. Richard Chaff does a really emotional version of this. I really miss him doing this!!!
A true Christmas story reminding us to forget about separation and join in oneness.
My Grandads fought on the Somme and my Great Uncle died at Aubers Ridge and my two great cousins were never found. God bless the Warwicks & Devons respectively.
Thoughts are with your heartfelt loss of your own .x
A BEAUTIFUL, THOUGHTFUL, TIMELY song!!!
BLESS YOU for posting it!
Beautiful.
Brought tears to my eyes.
The best option for us who sometimes miss Christmas during the year. Listening to a great anti-war tune, you appear a little less foolish, don't you? I can't wait for December, can't wait to present it to the students in my favourite English class. In the meantime - happy oncoming months of the year!
God bless those who served their country.
Wonderful song about a terrible time in a horrible war, many wars have come and gone since that Christmas in the trenches and we seem to have yet to learn the lesson so skillfully stated in simple words of this tune.
If you find this song as moving as I do, I suggest you check out the movie "Joyeux Noel," which fleshes out the story of the Christmas Truce.
Crying like hell, just heard this on the radio. True story.
A masterpiece.
I cried the first time I heard this, the last line says it all
God bless humanity!
Wahnsinnig schön das Lied thanks
Pain in my heart listening to this again this year,our lives r so short!
This should have a lot more views than it does.
My grandfather was inthe machine gun corps o the front. They were known as the suicide squad because the German snipers always went gor the machine guns first. He survived and died, taking his memories and nightmares with him in 1963.xx
Such a happy and yet sad song... it plays with your emotions so much...
I love this song. It makes me cry. Part of the tears are due to the fact that they were back at it the next morning, killing each other.
"We fight and we fight hard but sometimes we fight hard enough that the light breaks through" Dont remember were this quote came from but it was so accurate at the time
Dont remember they refused to fight both sides for many days what did light do then . Went off with a bang and many were shot dead to convince it was god & country where bullshit would make kings/ kieser's countryside green, greater Lands.
I have always loved this tune! What a beautiful piece of writing.
@caminefee110 Our local community station (WMNF) shared this - such a wonderful song your uncle has given us! FolkFaves - thx so much for posting it up!
I love this song so much my dad used to sing it to me when I was little it holds so much meaning for me and anyone that was connected or knew about WW1
Absolutely love this song
The best Christmas song, bar none!
Lord that is beautiful!
Anyone know when and / or where this was performed?
Bellevue WA, I think at the community college. KBCS in Bellevue recorded it. I bought the DVD from them.
A song well sung, for such brave men,they would have been very proud of you,well done.
I listened to this song after watching 1917 and I'm sobbing