Once in a town in the black forest a little white toy-shop stood. And the little tin soldier with only one leg lived in a castle of wood. And across the room on another shelf stood a little glass case, And a tiny ballerina lived in there all in her dress of lace. And from where the little tin soldier stood they could see each other so clear And the little tin soldier watched over her with a love that was so dear. Then one day sadness came: the tiny ballerina was sold. The little tin soldier was thrown away and into the gutter he rolled. The water carried him to the sea and many far-off lands. He made many children happy as he passed through their tiny hands. And then one day they met again in a house in the land of Eire And when the clocks on the wall struck the midnight hour They jumped into a fire And in that fire they shall stay Forever in the day. For the fire, Lord, is the fire of love, Just like the peaceful dove.