On a cold and snowy night, the year's last evening came,
Through the streets a little girl, with hunger and with pain.
Barefoot on the icy stone, her feet so red, so blue,
With matches in her apron worn, she dreamed of warmth anew.
Oh, little match girl, in the night so still,
Your light shines bright, though the cold brings chill.
Through the flames you find your way, where love and peace reside,
Oh, little match girl, in heaven you abide.
The first match flared, its warmth so near, a glowing stove she found,
Its golden light, her heart took flight, no longer chilled or bound.
The second match, a feast appeared, a table spread with care,
But when the flame died, all was gone, just icy winter air.
Oh, little match girl, in the night so still,
Your light shines bright, though the cold brings chill.
Through the flames you find your way, where love and peace reside,
Oh, little match girl, in heaven you abide.
She lit a match, and stars did shine, a Christmas tree so high,
Its candles burned like hopes returned, lighting up the sky.
And when she saw her grandmother, her joy could not contain,
She struck them all, to hold her close, escaping all her pain.
The morning rose, the world so cold, her body still and bare,
But none could see the light she found, the warmth beyond despair.
With arms embraced, her soul took flight, where sorrows never stay,
The little match girl found her peace, in the dawn of New Year's Day.
Oh, little match girl, in the night so still,
Your light shines bright, though the cold brings chill.
Through the flames you found your way, where love and peace reside,
Oh, little match girl, in heaven you abide.