O Tannenbaum is a German Christmas carol that translates to “O Christmas tree.” The song is much older and has its roots in a 16th Century Silesian folk song, “Ach Tannenbaum,” equating the evergreen quality of the fir tree with faithfulness and dependability. The song was adapted into a Christmas carol in the 19th Century as the fir tree became a popular western Christmas tradition, although the lyrics don’t make any reference to Christmas decorations on the tree.

Vince Guaraldi Trio performing O Tannenbaum.

The tune, although not the lyrics, had a brief turn as Florida’s state song (“Florida, my Florida”), and still exists as Michigan and Maryland’s song (using the same construct), and Iowa’s state song (“The Song of Iowa”). One of the most beloved and beautiful versions of O Tannenbaum is the arrangement by Vince Guaraldi on the 1965 animated special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Lyrics

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Thy leaves are so unchanging
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Thy leaves are so unchanging
Not only green when summer's here
But also when it's cold and drear
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Thy leaves are so unchanging

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Such pleasure do you bring me
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Such pleasure do you bring me
For every year this Christmas tree
Brings to us such joy and glee
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Such pleasure do you bring me

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
You'll ever be unchanging
A symbol of goodwill and love
You'll ever be unchanging
Each shining light, each silver bell
No one alive spreads cheer so well
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
You'll ever be unchanging