The New Born King (Christmas Truce 1914)

by David Clifton

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In memory of one of the most extraordinary events of World War 1, this new song by David Clifton recalls the unofficial truce which took place on the freezing battlefields of Flanders, as German and English soldiers ceased fighting, lay down their weapons and met in no-mans-land in the midst of one of the most horrific wars this world has witnessed.

Research documents include the eye witness accounts of regimental war artist Bruce Bairnsfather, and records from the Royal Warwicks and North Staffordshire Battalions.

100 years ago this Christmas, on the 24th December, 1914, hundreds of soldiers disobeyed their commanding officers, and for three precious days stopped what has since been the called the 'war to end all wars'. Ordinary soldiers, singing Christmas carols to each other, exchanging gifts, and calling to remembrance the birth of Jesus Christ, who came to bring a message of peace that a world in turmoil still needs to hear.

This modern carol is particularly relevant today, and has special importance to the composer; five of his family members served and fought in WW1.

All profits and donations go equally to Royal British Legion, Help For Heroes and Alpha For Forces.

lyrics

The New Born King (Christmas Truce 1914)

Christmas Eve so long ago
Flanders fields lay white with snow
Flags they fly, yet soldiers sing
All the guns fell silent for the New Born King

Faltering steps and outstretched hands
Through the mud of no-mans-land
Foe meets friend, two sides begin
Giving gifts in honour of the New Born King

Every night I kneel and pray
Every day could be Christmas Day
Peace on earth, Good News we bring
Joining the songs that the angels sing

Christmas colours, red and green
Poppies bloom where war has been
The Prince Of Peace appeared that day
To all the unknown warriors
We will still remember them
As we sing and welcome in the New Born King

Every night I kneel and pray
Every day could be Christmas Day
Peace on earth, Good News we bring
Telling the world
Sharing the love
Joining the songs that the angels sing

Christmas Eve so long ago
Love came down and changed the world

David Clifton © IQ Music/Little Room Music/Wixen Music USA

credits

released December 14, 2014
Bethany Hankins - violin:
Douglas Temples - viola
Preston Davis - cello
Jason Roller - drums
David Clifton - vocals, guitars, string arrangement, production

Mixed by - Ben McAmis
Mastered by - Richard Dodd

Additional Engineering - Trevor Reddick

Artwork image - Hope Brashear

A Little Room Recordings production 2014

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