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Christmas Must Be Tonight

Chords

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[Intro]
G   Em   G   Em
[Verse 1]
Come down to the Gmanger, see the little Amstranger
DWrapped in swaddling, oh the Cprince of Gpeace
the Wheels start Gturning, torches start Amburning
And the Dold wise men journey Cfrom the GEast
[Chorus]
How a Emlittle baby Amboy bring the Dpeople so much Gjoy
Son of a AmcarG/BpentCer, Mary carried the AmligG/BhtC  
This must be AmChristmas, must Dbe GtonightEm  
G   Em
[Verse 2]
A shepherd on a Ghillside, where over my Amflock I bide
On a coDld winter night a band of anCgels siGng
In a dream I Gheard a voice saying "fear not, Amcome rejoice
It's the eDnd of the beginning, praise the Cnew born kGing"
[Chorus]
How a Emlittle baby Amboy bring the Dpeople so much Gjoy
Son of a AmcarG/BpentCer, Mary carried the AmligG/BhtC  
This must be AmChristmas, must Dbe GtonightEm  
G   Em
[Verse 3]
I saw it with Gmy own eyes, written up Amin the skies
But Dwhy a simple herdsmen Csuch as GI
And then it Gcame to pass, he was Amborn at last
DRight below the star that Cshines on hGigh
[Chorus]
How a Emlittle baby Amboy bring the Dpeople so much Gjoy
Son of a AmcarG/BpentCer, Mary carried the AmligG/BhtC  
This must be AmChristmas, must Dbe GtonightEm  
G   Em
[Refrain]
Son of a AmcarG/BpentCer, Mary carried the AmlighG/BtC  
This must be AmChristmas, must Dbe GtonightEm  
Be toGnightEm, be toGnightEm, be toGnightEm, be toGnight

All chords in this song (6)

The story behind the song

This song offers a tender reflection on the birth of Jesus, told from the perspective of an awestruck observer. Written by Robbie Robertson shortly after the birth of his own son, Sebastian, it carries a deeply personal resonance that shines through Rick Danko's vocal performance. Released on The Band's 1977 album Islands, it evokes a sense of quiet wonder and humility in the face of a profound miracle. Playing this song feels like stepping into a hushed, sacred moment.

AI-written from these sources:Christmas Must Be Tonight — Wikipedia ↗The Band — Wikipedia ↗

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Chord Book

670,000+ free guitar chords · free-chords.com

Christmas Must Be Tonight

by The Band

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

G/B

[Intro]

G Em G Em

[Verse 1]

G Am

Come down to the manger, see the little stranger

D C G

Wrapped in swaddling, oh the prince of peace

G Am

the Wheels start turning, torches start burning

D C G

And the old wise men journey from the East

[Chorus]

Em Am D G

How a little baby boy bring the people so much joy

Am G/B C Am G/B C

Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light

Am D G Em

This must be Christmas, must be tonight

G Em

[Verse 2]

G Am

A shepherd on a hillside, where over my flock I bide

D C G

On a cold winter night a band of angels sing

G Am

In a dream I heard a voice saying "fear not, come rejoice

D C G

It's the end of the beginning, praise the new born king"

[Chorus]

Em Am D G

How a little baby boy bring the people so much joy

Am G/B C Am G/B C

Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light

Am D G Em

This must be Christmas, must be tonight

G Em

[Verse 3]

G Am

I saw it with my own eyes, written up in the skies

D C G

But why a simple herdsmen such as I

G Am

And then it came to pass, he was born at last

D C G

Right below the star that shines on high

[Chorus]

Em Am D G

How a little baby boy bring the people so much joy

Am G/B C Am G/B C

Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light

Am D G Em

This must be Christmas, must be tonight

G Em

[Refrain]

Am G/B C Am G/B C

Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light

Am D G Em

This must be Christmas, must be tonight

G Em G Em G Em G

Be tonight, be tonight, be tonight, be tonight

About Christmas Must Be Tonight Chords by The Band

Learn how to play Christmas Must Be Tonight by The Band with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Christmas Must Be Tonight chords”, “Christmas Must Be Tonight guitar chords”, or “The Band Christmas Must Be Tonight chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Christmas Must Be Tonight chords and for experienced players who want accurate Christmas Must Be Tonight lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, Em, Am, D, C, G/B.

FAQ — Christmas Must Be Tonight by The Band

How do I play "Christmas Must Be Tonight" by The Band on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Christmas Must Be Tonight" by The Band on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Christmas Must Be Tonight" by The Band free?

Yes. The chords for "Christmas Must Be Tonight" by The Band are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Christmas Must Be Tonight" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Christmas Must Be Tonight" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Christmas Must Be Tonight"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Christmas Must Be Tonight" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Christmas Must Be Tonight" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Christmas Must Be Tonight" by The Band with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by The Band below.

What key is "Christmas Must Be Tonight" in?

The chords for "Christmas Must Be Tonight" show the original chord names (including G, Em, Am, D, C, G/B). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.