Canadian Brass is a brass quintet founded by Charles Daellenbach, Stuart La… Read Full Bio ↴Canadian Brass is a brass quintet founded by Charles Daellenbach, Stuart Laughton, and Gene Watts in 1970. In addition to maintaining a heavy international touring schedule, the Canadian Brass have recorded nearly seventy albums. They have commissioned, performed, and recorded hundreds of transcriptions and original works for brass quintet. Named the "world's leading brass ensemble" by The Washington Post and credited as "the men who put brass music on the map", they are best known for their ability to seamlessly cross between classical and jazz styles. Canadian Brass is also known for their unique performance attire, consisting of black suits coupled with white athletic shoes.

The current members are: Charles "Chuck" Daellenbach (tuba), Eugene "Gene" Watts (trombone), Bernhard Scully (horn), and the "Trumpet Dream Team" to fill the two trumpet positions on rotating basis. Dream Team members are: Ryan Anthony, Brandon Ridenour, Jeroen Berwaerts, Manon Lafrance, Josef Burgstaller, Ronald Romm and Stuart Laughton.

Past members include: Stuart Laughton (1970–1971, 2003–2005), Josef Burgstaller (2001–present), Jeff Nelsen (2000–2004), Ryan Anthony (2000–2003), Frederick Mills (1972–1996), Ronald Romm (1971–2000), David Ohanian (1986–1998), Martin Hackleman (1983–1986, Jens Lindemann (1996–2001), Christopher Cooper (1998–2000) and Graeme Page (1970–1983).

Canadian Brass recordings are released by Toronto-based Opening Day Entertainment Group.

Happy Christmas
The Canadian Brass Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

So this is Christmas and what have you done,
Another year over, a new one just begun.

And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun,
The near and the dear ones, the old and the young.

A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fears.

And so this is Christmas for weak and for strong,
The rich and the poor ones, the road is so long.

And so happy Christmas for black and for white
For the yellow and red ones let's stop all the fights.

A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fear.

And so this is Christmas and what have we done
Another year over, a new one just begun.

And so happy Christmas we hope you have fun
The near and the dear ones, the old and the young.

A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fear.

War is over if you want it, war is over now.

Overall Meaning

The Canadian Brass's song "Happy Christmas" is a message of hope and unity that transcends the holiday season. The lyrics, written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, encourage listeners to reflect on the passing year and look forward to a new one with anticipation and joy. The opening lines, "So this is Christmas and what have you done, another year over, a new one just begun," are a call to action. Lennon challenges us to consider our accomplishments and shortcomings over the past year, and to use this reflection as a starting point to make positive changes in the year to come.

As the song progresses, Lennon's message becomes increasingly inclusive, as he notes that Christmas is a time for all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. He urges us to find common ground with those around us and to put an end to conflict and division. The line "War is over if you want it, war is over now" is particularly powerful, as it reminds us that peace is not an abstract concept but something that can be attained if we work towards it.

Line by Line Meaning

So this is Christmas and what have you done,
Reflecting on the passing year and what accomplishments have been made.

Another year over, a new one just begun.
Acknowledging the end of one year and the start of a new one.

And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun,
Wishing happiness and enjoyment during the holiday season.

The near and the dear ones, the old and the young.
Extending the holiday cheer to loved ones of all ages.

A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Wishing a joyful holiday season and prosperous new year ahead.

Let's hope it's a good one without any fears.
Expressing a desire for a positive and untroubled holiday season.

And so this is Christmas for weak and for strong,
Acknowledging and celebrating the holiday season with both the weak and strong members of society.

The rich and the poor ones, the road is so long.
Regardless of socioeconomic status, the path to the holiday season can be difficult.

And so happy Christmas for black and for white
Promoting holiday cheer for individuals of all races and ethnicities.

For the yellow and red ones let's stop all the fights.
Encouraging an end to conflicts and discrimination against individuals of Asian and Native American descent.

War is over if you want it, war is over now.
A call for peace and willingness to end war and conflict if desired.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JOHN WINSTON LENNON, YOKO ONO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@kitty65ist

11y↑1

I went to high school with Chuck Daellenbach in Manitowoc WI. and was in the band with him. He was very talented then already. Also took private flute lessons from his father, who was the band teacher at the high school at the time. It was so nice to see Chuck on this video!!