A Holly Jolly Christmas
Burl Ives Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning
It's the best time of the year
I don't know if there'll be snow
But have a cup of cheer
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
Oh, ho the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And in case you didn't hear
Oh by golly have a holly jolly Christmas
This year
(Have a holly, jolly Christmas)
(It's the best time of the year)
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
Oh, ho the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And in case you didn't hear
Oh by golly have a holly jolly Christmas
This year
Burl Ives's song, A Holly Jolly Christmas, is a classic holiday song that has become a staple of the season. The lyrics are a happy and joyful call to embrace the holiday spirit and to share it with all those you see. The song's opening line says, "Have a holly, jolly Christmas, it's the best time of the year." This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which encourages people to be happy and merry during the festive season. The song then goes on to say that it doesn't matter if there isn't any snow, as long as there is the cheer of the season.
The second verse encourages people to be friendly and to say hello to friends and strangers alike. The line "Oh, ho the mistletoe hung where you can see, somebody waits for you, kiss her once for me" is particularly charming and romantic, and adds a touch of sweetness to the song. The final verse repeats the message of the first, calling for everyone to have a holly jolly Christmas, and adding the popular exclamation, "Oh by golly!"
A Holly Jolly Christmas has an upbeat tempo that makes it perfect for dancing or singing along. It was written by Johnny Marks, who also wrote other holiday classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. After the song was first recorded by Burl Ives in 1964, it quickly became a hit and has since been covered by many other artists. It is a beloved holiday tune that continues to be played every year and has become an essential part of the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
Wishing you a happy, festive Christmas season
It's the best time of the year
This time of the year is the most joyful and enjoyable
I don't know if there'll be snow
Uncertain if there will be snow, but that shouldn't stop the Christmas spirit
But have a cup of cheer
Still enjoy the season with a warm drink and a positive attitude
And when you walk down the street
While taking a stroll outside
Say hello to friends you know
Greet your acquaintances cheerfully
And everyone you meet
Extend a friendly gesture to strangers too
Oh, ho the mistletoe
Noting the mistletoe hung above
Hung where you can see
Visible, so make use of it
Somebody waits for you
Someone is anticipating your kiss
Kiss her once for me
A request to share love with someone else’s friend or significant other
And in case you didn't hear
Just in case it was missed
Oh by golly have a holly jolly Christmas
Again, wishing for a merry Christmas celebration
This year
For this festive season specifically
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, ST. NICHOLAS MUSIC INC., Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Johnny Marks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alberto Garcia
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
It's the best time of the year
I don't know if there'll be snow
But have a cup of cheer
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
Oh, ho the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And in case you didn't hear
Oh by golly have a holly jolly Christmas
This year
(Have a holly, jolly Christmas
It's the best time of the year)
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
Oh, ho the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And in case you didn't hear
Oh by golly have a holly jolly Christmas
This year
Ninya / Ninja Brifsanovich the Saiyan
Have a tearful, miserable Christmas!
It's the worst time of the year!
We don't know, if they'll be snow,
have a cup of poison!
Have a tearful, miserable, Christmas!
And when you walk on down the street,
Stick out you're tongue to those you know,
And everyone you meet!
OH, OH, A GREAT, BIG, BOMB!
HUNG WHERE YOU CAN SEE!
Somebody waits for you,
BLOW HER UP FOR ME!
Have a tearful, miserable, Christmas!
And in case you didn't hear,
OH BY-GOLLY HAVE A TEARFUL, MISERABLE, CHRISTMAS, THIS YEAR!
(chorus for the original have a holly jolly plays)
Have a tearful, miserable, Christmas!
It's the worst time of the year!
we don't know, if they'll be snow, Have a cup of poison!
OH, OH, A GREAT, BIG, BOMB!
HUNG WHERE YOU CAN SEE!
Somebody waits for you,
BLOW HER UP FOR MEEEeeeeee!
Have a tearful, miserable, Christmas!
And in case you didn't hear,
OH BY-GOLLY HAVE A TEARFUL, MISERABLE, CHRISTMAS, THIS YEARRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Kirby Abridged)
Jim Cholley
A HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS
Burl Ives Vocal With Chorus And Instrumental Accompaniment
Words & music by
Johnny Marks
Chorus and Orchestra Directed by
Owen Bradley
Produced by
Milt Gabler
Harold Bradley
Guitar
Ray Edenton
Guitar
Thomas "Grady" Martin
Guitar
Bob Moore
String Bass
Buddy Harman
Drums
Hargus "Pig" Robbins
Piano
Charlie McCoy
Harmonica
The Anita Kerr Singers
Backing Vocals
Decca Records
9-31695
Recorded at Columbia Studios in Nashville,
Tennessee on Wednesday, February 5, 1964.
Christmas Music
🎵Have A Holly Jolly Christmas!🎵
Seth Carlow
yes,have a Holly Jolly Christmas.
beth l.
Yes
Chris Presley
Holly Jolly Christmas indeed 🎄🎁☃️
Mike Maxwell
I just love this song. You can hear the happiness in Burl Ives' voice. Such a great song from times gone by. How I wish that I could return to my childhood and the joy I felt at this time of the year. May God bless each and every one of you. Be happy!
PHAT PUMPZ
Amen and u too
Bob
God Bless
hi world Stephenson ultranate&oq.
hi Gt Comments I Agree 100% my best this Christmas was when i got gt value 12 euros in Charity Shop 30 november Whow beat that oh CHRISTMAS Greetings From Brian Ireland gt lover of d Positives of America!
Rene Brown
The best version...Burl did it best!
AngryRantsAndStuff
Friggin legend