Max Kade German-American Center Weihnachtslieder / Christmas Carols

Of all of the German Christmas songs which have become a part of American traditions, the best known besides Silent Night is O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree). The popularity of this song in the United States can be easily documented. The melody of this carol is used by four states: Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, and New Jersey, for their state song. The opening line of Maryland's state song is: "Maryland, O Maryland!

O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree )
Lyrics by Ernst Anschütz, 1824. Music is based upon an old German folksong. The English translation is traditional
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum, Wie treu sind deine Blätter. Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit, Nein, auch im Winter, wenn es schneit O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum, Wie treu sind deine Blätter. O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum, du kannst mir sehr gefallen. Wie oft hat nicht zur Weihnachtszeit Ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut. O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum, du kannst mir sehr gefallen. O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum, dein Kleid will mich was lehren: die Hoffnung und Beständigkeit gibt Trost und Kraft zu aller Zeit. O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum, dein Kleid will mich was lehren.	O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Your branches green delight us. They’re green when summer days are bright: They’re green when winter snow is white. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Your branches green delight us. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, You give us so much pleasure! How oft at Christmas tide the sight, O green fir tree, gives us delight! O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, You give us so much pleasure! O Christmas tree, O Christmas Tree, How richly God has decked thee! Thou bidst us true and faithful be, And trust in God unchangingly. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, How richly God has decked thee!!"


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Created: 4 December 2005, SJS
Updated: 13 December 2005, BAS
Comments to: IUPUI Max Kade German-American Center, mkgac@iupui.edu
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