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The Christmas Song
Natalie Cole Lyrics


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Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
Folks dressed up like Eskimos

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Helps to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas, have a Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you

Overall Meaning

"The Christmas Song" is a holiday classic that paints a vivid picture of what the festive season feels like. The lyrics perfectly capture the essence of Christmas and its trappings. The opening line, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire," sets a cozy and warm tone, instantly transporting the listener to a fireside where the chestnuts make a soft cracking sound. The second line, "Jack Frost nipping at your nose," acknowledges that the winter is here, suggesting a chill in the air. The lyrics follow with "Yuletide carols being sung by a choir," creating an image of a group singing joyful Christmas tunes. When the lyrics describe people being dressed up like Eskimos, it signifies how cold it is outside.


The song continues to highlight the Christmas traditions that are common worldwide, such as having a turkey and mistletoe to make the season brighter. The sight of happy children with their eyes aglow on Christmas morning as they open their gifts is perfectly captured in the lyrics. As the song concludes, it reminds listeners that Christmas is a time to share happiness with everyone, from the very young to the very old. The last lines are a simple phrase meant to convey a universal message of joy, "Merry Christmas, have a Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas to you."


Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Imagine yourself gathered around an open flame with chestnuts boiling while enjoying a warmer indoor atmosphere


Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Outdoors can be chilly, and if you're not completely bundled up, you could feel the frost biting your skin as an unexpected pinch


Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The sound of a group of people collectively singing Christmas music permeates the air with the spirit of the holiday season


Folks dressed up like Eskimos
Many people choose to wear thick layers of clothing to keep warm in the winter, similar to those that native Alaskans might don


Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Many people incorporate certain traditional and festive staples such as turkey and mistletoe to create a fun and festive atmosphere


Helps to make the season bright
These holiday staples are essential to making the season feel warm, cozy, and festive


Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children are wide-eyed and eager to soak up every moment of the holiday season because of its excitement and joy


Will find it hard to sleep tonight
Due to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the impending holiday, it can be tough for children to fall asleep on Christmas eve


They know that Santa's on his way
Children are aware and excited for the arrival of Santa Claus, who they know will be coming soon to deliver gifts


He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa Claus will be carrying many toys and treats to give out to children as he makes his deliveries


And every mother's child is gonna spy
All children will surely be on the lookout as they hope to catch a glimpse of Santa Clause when he will be landing on their rooftop


To see if reindeer really know how to fly
They await and wonder, astonished, to see whether reindeers can actually fly, a feat that they've only seen in fantasies


And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To extend my warm wishes and wishes of happiness to everyone during this festive season


To kids from one to ninety-two
This phrase is intended for anyone, whether a child or an adult, as we all love to engross ourselves into the Christmas season, regardless of age


Although it's been said many times, many ways
This message is a classic that has been expressed many times, in many different forms, but its sentiment is still one of love and holiday cheer


Merry Christmas to you
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and are filled with nothing but joy and happiness this holiday season


Merry Christmas, have a Merry Christmas
I wish you a Merry Christmas, and I reaffirm that you have a joyful time with your loved ones during this holiday season.


Merry Christmas to you
Once again, I wish you a Merry Christmas, hoping that your heart is filled with nothing but warmth and contentment this holiday season.




Lyrics © Ceylon Records, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@butchzamora

The confidence in her voice just magnetizes you. Feels like we're in a different world where there are no problems and misfortunes.

@sandranhachale7231

So true

@tabithasabella8165

Andrea my name is tab, I'm a 40 year old young woman with disabilities, I love love music especially Christmas. Everything I've learned I've taught myself, I'm your biggest biggest fan, I have almost all your CDs, my favorite songs that you sing are, the prayer and the one you sing with your son, and all your Christmas music, I do love you dearly, you have such a ngelic heavenly voice, I send you the warmest hug a kiss and smile

@ronalardinata9014

I was born a Muslim and I really like songs related to Christmas because they touch the heart

@Graham_Brooks1

Just about the best ever Christmas song. Nothing could ever touch her father's version , but Natalie inherited a beautiful voice and the duet does the beautiful song justice.

@TeenFashionedMagazine

Their voices together = stunning. Such a beautiful duet. So sad she's no longer with us. What a beautifully-captured moment.

@sharenwatson7352

Two of the most exquisite singers of the music industry.. absolutely beautiful...what a perfect duo..

@wallacelivanov6327

Hello Sharen 👋

@katherinem.4414

So true….

@sandranhachale7231

What a harmony in the voices...Mery Xmas

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