“O Christmas Tree” is a Christmas carol that originated in Germany (in German: O Tannenbaum) and has become one of the most popular Christmas songs over the years. And not only in Germany! It has gained international recognition and has been translated into many other languages. In Spanish it’s called “Oh Abeto” and in French it’s known as “Mon beau sapin”.
The history and origins of the song go back a long way. The roots of “O Christmas Tree” can be traced back to an old folk song from the 16th century called “Es lebe hoch der Zimmermannsgeselle”. The song celebrated a carpenter and his evergreen fir tree, which even then symbolized steadfastness and loyalty. The most famous version of the song was written by Ernst Anschütz in 1824. In this version, the fir tree is honored as a symbol of loyalty and constancy, and the lyrics begin with the famous words: “O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how true are your leaves”.
Over time, the carol has become an integral part of Christmas celebrations around the world. It accompanies the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree at home and contributes to the festive atmosphere of the Christmas season.
Chords and Lyrics for O Christmas Tree
To play O Tannenbaum you only need three chords. All three chords are basic chords that you will learn in the beginning and are used in many other songs. The song is usually played in the key of G major, so you will need the chords G, D7 and C.
O GChristmas Tree, O Christmas tree,
How D7lovely are your branGches!
Not only Cgreen in D7summer’s heat,
Gbut also winter’s D7snow and sleet.
O GChristmas tree, O Christmas tree,
How lD7ovely are your branGches!
2. O Christmas Tree, o Christmas tree,
of all the trees most lovely.
Each year you bring to us delight
with brightly shining Christmas light!
O Christmas Tree, o Christmas tree,
of all the trees most lovely.
3. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree,
we learn from all your beauty.
Your bright green leaves with festive cheer,
give hope and strength throughout the year.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree,
we learn from all your beauty.
Sheet Music for O Christmas Tree
If you can read music, then playing from sheet music is perfect for you, whether it’s guitar, piano or flute. The Jingle Bells sheet music is also great for students who are just learning to read music, as it contains many basic elements.
You can also download the sheet music with the chords as a PDF for free in order to use it for your guitar lessons!
Learn another easy nursery rhyme:
ABC Song
Baa Baa Black Sheep
Brother John
Happy Birthday
Humpty Dumpty
Itsy Bitsy Spider
Jingle Bells
Mary had a little Lamb
Old MacDonald had a Farm
Row row row your Boat
Silent Night
Twinkle twinkle little Star
Wheels on the Bus
Yankee Doodle