In 1952 he joins an international competition for the first time in Belfast, Ireland, where he wins the first prize.
However it takes till 1954 before he records his first songs, mainly songs about life at sea and some country music.
He soon extends his career by learning to act, and he will join several movies in Germany.
1956 sees Freddy representing Germany at the first Eurovision Song Contest together with Walter Andreas Schwarz. It is the only year that countries enter the contest with two songs. No points are given, and only the winner, Lys Assia is anounced.
Freddy's songs however become instant hits in Germany, Austria, Luxemburg, the Netherlands and Belgium and several other countries.
"La Paloma","Junge, komm bald wieder" and "Die Gitarre und das Meer" bring him fame, golden records and many awards.
Freddy keeps singing all his life, and in 2002 he makes his last tour, which ends in the city where he is born : Vienna.
Am Weihnachtsbaum die Lichter brennen
Freddy Quinn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wie glänzt er festlich, lieb und mild,
Als spräch er: Wollt ihr in mir erkennen
Getreuer Hoffnung stilles Bild.
Die Kinder stehen mit hellen Blicken,
Das Auge lacht, es lacht das Herz,
O, fröhlich, seliges Entzücken,
Zwei Engel sind hereingetreten,
Kein Auge hat sie kommen sehn,
Sie gehen zum Weihnachtsbaum und beten
Und wenden wieder sich und geh'n
Gesegnet seid ihr alten Leute,
Gesegnet sei du kleine Schar!
Wir bringen Gottes Segen heute
Dem braunen wie dem weißen Haar.
Kein Ohr hat ihren Spruch vernommen,
Unsichtbar jedes Menschen Blick.
Sind sie gegangen, wie gekommen,
Doch Gottes Segen bleibt zurück!
In the first verse, the lyrics describe the scene of the Christmas tree with its lights shining brightly. The tree is depicted as festive, dear, and gentle, as if it is saying that those who observe it can find a quiet picture of faithful hope. This sets the tone for the rest of the song by creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Moving on to the second verse, it focuses on the children's reactions to the Christmas tree. They stand with bright, eager eyes, their happiness shining through their gaze and their hearts. It portrays a sense of joyful and blissful excitement that can fill the hearts of both young and old during the holiday season. Meanwhile, the older generation looks upward towards the heavens, possibly reflecting on the deeper meaning and significance of the Christmas season.
In the third verse, the lyrics introduce two angels who have quietly entered the scene. Their arrival goes unnoticed by anyone present. These celestial beings approach the Christmas tree and pray, symbolizing a connection between the earthly and the divine realms. After offering their prayers, they turn and depart, signifying their ethereal nature.
The final verse focuses on the angels' blessings towards the elderly and the small gathering of people witnessing this unique moment. They impart blessings upon the aged individuals, as well as the small group that has gathered around the tree. The lyrics suggest that the angels bring God's blessings to those with both brown and white hair, symbolizing unity and inclusion of people of all ages and backgrounds.
The closing lines convey a sense of mystery and the all-encompassing power of God's blessings. It states that no one heard the angels' words, and no human eye saw their presence. They came and went like apparitions, but the impact of their blessings remains. It emphasizes the spiritual significance of the Christmas season, suggesting that even though we may not always see or hear the divine, God's blessings are always present and endure beyond our immediate perception.
Line by Line Meaning
Am Weihnachtsbaume die Lichter brennen,
The lights are glowing on the Christmas tree,
Wie glänzt er festlich, lieb und mild,
How it shines festively, lovely and gentle,
Als spräch er: Wollt ihr in mir erkennen
As if it spoke: Do you want to recognize in me
Getreuer Hoffnung stilles Bild.
A silent image of faithful hope.
Die Kinder stehen mit hellen Blicken,
The children stand with bright eyes,
Das Auge lacht, es lacht das Herz,
Their eyes laugh, their hearts laugh,
O, fröhlich, seliges Entzücken,
Oh, joyful, blissful delight,
Die Alten schauen himmelwärts
The elderly look towards the sky
Zwei Engel sind hereingetreten,
Two angels have entered,
Kein Auge hat sie kommen sehn,
No eye has seen them coming,
Sie gehen zum Weihnachtsbaum und beten
They go to the Christmas tree and pray
Und wenden wieder sich und geh'n
And then they turn around and leave
Gesegnet seid ihr alten Leute,
Blessed be you elderly people,
Gesegnet sei du kleine Schar!
Blessed be you little group!
Wir bringen Gottes Segen heute
Today we bring God's blessings
Dem braunen wie dem weißen Haar.
To both brown and white hair.
Kein Ohr hat ihren Spruch vernommen,
No ear has heard their words,
Unsichtbar jedes Menschen Blick.
Invisible to every person's gaze.
Sind sie gegangen, wie gekommen,
They have gone, just as they came,
Doch Gottes Segen bleibt zurück!
But God's blessings remain!
Writer(s): Traditional, Hendrik Eilers
Contributed by Madison V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.