Merry Christmas, baby
Sure did treat me nice
Merry Christmas, baby
Sure did treat me nice
Bought me a diamond ring for Christmas
I feel like I'm in paradise

I feel mighty fine, y'all
I've got music on my radio
Feel mighty fine, girl
I've got music on my radio, oh, oh, oh
I feel like I'm gonna kiss you
Standing beneath that mistletoe

Santa came down the chimney
Half past three, y'all
Left all them-a good ol' present
For my baby and for me, ha, ha, ha

Merry Christmas, baby
Sure did treat me nice
You bought all those good ol' presents
I love you, baby, rest of my life

Merry Christmas, girl
Merry, merry, merry Christmas, baby
Sure did treat me nice
Merry Christmas, baby
I said you sure did treat me nice
You bought me all those lovely things, yeah
I feel like I'm in paradise

I wish you a merry Christmas, baby
Happy New Year, ha
Merry Christmas, honey
Everything here is beautiful
I love you, baby
For everything that you give me
I love you, honey
More, Lord have mercy
Merry Christmas, honey

Overall Meaning

The song "Merry Christmas Baby" by Otis Redding is a classic holiday tune that is both upbeat and romantic. The lyrics are simple, but they convey the story of a couple who are deeply in love, and the joy they feel during the holiday season. The first verse discusses how the singer of the song has been treated well during the holiday season, and how their partner has bought them a diamond ring, which makes them feel like they are in paradise. This line suggests that the love and generosity shown by the partner has made the singer feel very happy and content.

The second verse describes how the singer feels "mighty fine" because they have music playing on the radio, and they are in the mood to kiss their partner under the mistletoe. This verse conveys a sense of excitement and anticipation, as the singer is eagerly looking forward to spending time with their loved one during the festive season. The third verse is a playful nod to the tradition of Santa Claus, and how he has left presents for the couple underneath the Christmas tree.

Overall, the song "Merry Christmas Baby" is a cheerful and romantic ode to the festive season, and the love that people can experience during this time of year.

Line by Line Meaning

Merry Christmas, baby
Greetings and wishing happiness during the Christmas season

Sure did treat me nice
Expressing appreciation and gratitude for the love and care received

Bought me a diamond ring for Christmas
Received an expensive and special gift that brought immense joy

I feel like I'm in paradise
Overwhelming happiness and contentment from the gift received

I've got music on my radio
Enjoying music and feeling light-hearted and cheerful

Feel mighty fine, girl
Feeling great and expressing affection to a loved one

I feel like I'm gonna kiss you
Expressing desire to show love and affection through a kiss

Santa came down the chimney
Referencing the traditional belief of Santa Claus delivering presents through the chimney

Left all them-a good ol' present
Delivered multiple enjoyable gifts

I love you, baby, rest of my life
Expressing unconditional love and commitment for a loved one

I said you sure did treat me nice
Repeating appreciation and acknowledging the kindness received

You bought me all those lovely things, yeah
Expressing gratefulness for thoughtful and pleasant gifts

I wish you a merry Christmas, baby
Returning the joyful greetings and cheer during the holiday season

Happy New Year, ha
Wishing a happy and successful new year

Everything here is beautiful
Finding joy and beauty in the present moment and surroundings

I love you, honey
Expressing endearment and profound love

More, Lord have mercy
Asking for more blessings and expressing deep gratitude

Merry Christmas, honey
Repeating the joyful Christmas greetings to a loved one

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lou Baxter, Johnny Dudley Moore

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@byronwilson5456

3y↑27

Merry Christmas by Otis Redding

Merry Christmas, baby
Sure did treat me nice
Merry Christmas, baby
Sure did treat me nice
Bought me a diamond ring for Christmas
I feel like I'm in paradise
I feel mighty fine, y'all
I've got music on my radio
Feel mighty fine, girl
I've got music on my radio, oh, oh, oh
I feel like I'm gonna kiss you
Standing beneath that mistletoe
Santa came down the chimney
Half past three, y'all
Left all them a good ol' present
For my baby and for me, ha, ha, ha
Merry Christmas, baby
Sure did treat me nice
You bought all those good ol' presents
I love you, baby, rest of my life
Merry Christmas, girl
Merry, merry, merry Christmas, baby
Sure did treat me nice
Merry Christmas, baby
I said you sure did treat me nice
You bought me all those lovely things, yeah
I feel like I'm in paradise
I wish you a merry Christmas, baby
Happy New Year, ha
Merry Christmas, honey
Everything here is beautiful
I love you, baby
For everything that you give me
I love you, honey
More, Lord have mercy
Merry Christmas, honey

All comments from YouTube:

@bobbiebentonf6761

10y↑632

As a little girl my father had passed away when I was 10, and on Christmas my mother would play this song over and over, and try to hide the tears in her eyes from us. My father was from the era of Otis, and like Otis and my father.....they don't make men like that anymore.!! Rest in peace Mom, Dad, and Otis, you are dearly loved.

@beverlyjohnson5503

4y↑23

God bless you Bobbie

@hollywood5199

4y↑15

My parents came from that era as well. Sam Cooke and Otis Redding were among my dad's heroes. And all three are now gone. Thanks for sharing. May God bless and keep you.🙏

@jeanhernandez4419

3y↑11

This made me cry, tears of joy....

@bluesmansunnyfournier4727

3y↑8

Merry Christmas Bobbie

25 More Replies...

@irastaten

12y↑68

One of the best Christmas songs ever. Reminds me of old times and of loved ones who have passed on.

@kweenrreen

3y↑95

Listening to this on Christmas Eve 2021... thinking of my parents blasting this and dancing together.. aww man !! RIP DADDY ❤🕊🕯

@alilb9778

2y↑2

🙏😢

@mothertwinkles4198

2y↑2

Hugs to you.

@kweenrreen

@@mothertwinkles4198 thank you. Happy holidays!!

@kweenrreen

@@alilb9778 🥰

@CloudyWolf713

1y↑2

My sincere condolences to all of you who lost someone.

@seanjester2905

4y↑246

I listen to Otis and I think how did this man die at 26? His voice sounds so much wiser and older than just 26. Best voice of all time.

@monilaninetynine3811

4y↑18

He was an old soul.

@matthewbreese6246

4y↑12

He is the Goat. Wish kids my age would listen to him and know what true talent is.

@rosalyncarnes7037

3y↑4

@ Sean Jester. I know right I thought the same

@alanwilson8407

3y↑2

@@monilaninetynine3811 cliched and trite old country saying.

@rudyhernandez7747

2y↑4

he died too young, so much talent

8 More Replies...

@ronaldlwhitaker3458

2y↑5

Still kickin' it in 2023! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

@CaliWilderness

3y↑56

This is what a Christmas song should be! Straight soul! Rest in peace Otis!

@geraldwatkins6700

4y↑22

It’s Not Christmas Until This Song Is Being Played! A Classic Christmas Song By The Legendary Otis Redding 2020...Merry Christmas Everyone!

@tonyjones5062

40w

That's right..thank you

@jodebnath3

13y↑52

Songs like these are really special; there's an extra niceness that fills the atmosphere.

@izukumidori...2706

😭😭😭😭😭😭miss everyone 8 love so much💔💔💔💔

@izukumidori...2706

REAL TALK.......

@izukumidori...2706

Took so many losses,that's y I'm gonna hold on to the little that I do have left......that's truly mines!!!!!!

@derwinwingate968

Love this song. It really bring back memories ☺️

@dakotachenoa474

3y↑24

I was raised hearing this type of Christmas music being played at grandmas house ❤️

@JimmySmithWesson

13y↑10

Beautiful. No one sings this song with a better feeling then Otis.

@rogerking8729

11y↑19

This is truly a Christmas classic ... brings back memories when I was a child <3 !!!

@tonyjones5062

40w

It sure is

@calvestermarks900

3y↑49

Still jamming to this Christmas classic every Christmas 🎄.

@jolyettefrye6365

5y↑44

A very soulful Christmas 🎄🎅 song. Otis Redding was unique. 💚

@talkdattrashimmapullyacard4396

😘

@BHPeaches

12y↑10

I love this song. Hearing this makes it seem more like Christmas. It makes me think of the good times with love ones that's not here anymore.

@sierra6588

4y↑9

Otis Redding had such a soulful, amazing, gorgeous voice!!!!

@tonyjones5062

40w

Yes he sure did

@khardee77

4y↑11

Brings back memories of my Mom and Dad who were married 45 years and hearing this song at Christmas 🎄 2020. God Bless my Mom and Dad in heaven and God Bless America 🇺🇸 Hoping everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 and a Very Happy and Merry Christmas 🎁🎄

@tonyjones5062

40w

I just love this song

@paulwoodham1119

3y↑29

Just another classic by Mr Otis Redding. What a voice.

@hollywood5199

4y↑134

1987 my friend's mother would blast this in her living room stereo every Christmas Eve. By 10pm she'd be passed out on the floor with an empty bottle of Jim Bean. Ahhh, the good old days,🤓

@jacquelynhorton7563

3y↑6

The life of former Christmas celebration. Good memories.

@cupcakeq5030

3y↑3

@@jacquelynhorton7563 definitely doesn’t feel the same 😞 lost it’s meaning

@Jesta41

3y↑3

I am sure that was a blast!

@hollywood5199

3y↑1

@@Jesta41 it was!

@marthabland8242

3y↑2

My sister Debbie would dance all night to this song. She had a beer in her hand and skip to the song and sing. She just enjoyed herself and I enjoyed myself
o really enjoys

7 More Replies...

@mariposa9877

10y↑28

Otis' version is definitely my favourite - fantastic groove!

@byronwilson5456

3y↑27

@Fxiry_Skylar5

Very good 👏🏼

@laqueniagivens6443

4y↑12

Love this song so much!! Childhood memories, this Christmas I couldn't stop dancing to it!!

@ndinethamsanqa

4y↑19

Growing up half a world away from Macon, GA, Otis Redding reached deep inside me, lodged there, and has been with me all my life. This must be one of the greatest Christmas songs ever. Thank you so much, Mr. Redding! You live on forever, in your music, through your soul.

@504mrbig

10y↑255

This would be the first song my mama played every Christmas morning, when I was growing up. My great uncle would always be the first person to come to the house making his rounds early in the morning usually before the sun came up waking us up, drinking his gin and juice partying the rest of the day. all my great uncles did that but by that time he was the last one still living...some of my best Christmas memories

@lindacharles6987

10y↑10

seem as if you were talking about my childhood

@scottsmitherman1345

6y↑3

thanks

@carolynallen3053

6y↑9

Sure miss all of the old school that has left us they sure knew how to make holidays for us

@keywongfox419

6y↑1

😍😘😍😘

@autobotdiva9268

6y↑10

Right this was blasting at 4pm everybody was down grama house. Grama sittn the chair eating a tangerine & getting hugs....RIP LILLIE M ROBERTS 1922-2013

8 More Replies...

@dailyflash

4y↑7

Otis was sooooo good. Listen past this and Dock of the Bay. He had many wonderful songs. And he had such a great aura and personality.

@tonyjones5062

40w

Yes he did big time!!

@rogerking1576

5y↑39

My most favourite Christmas song of all time .. this song brings back so much memories of me growing up as a little kid back in the day .. RIP Otis Redding!

@reginajohnson7302

Play Christmas shoe it a good song

@jacquelynhorton7563

Me too. Now listen to Marvin Gaye I want to bed home for 🎄.

@wandadominick5325

3y↑8

This is a classic Christmas song. This song is going to be play forever. RIP Otis. Merry Christmas to all

@faithfullfertility2090

3y↑21

Love his laugh in song. Otis was blessed with a gift and blessed us.

@Metzger23

5y↑20

Otis Redding. What a legend!

@lamarwilliams1132

3y↑7

Man this song has soul written all over it. RIP Mr Redding

@meanrene59

9y↑88

I love this song and will forever play it for the Christmas Holiday!! 🎄

@donricci77

6y↑1

Same here

@eastcoastusa8888

7y↑13

I'm crying tears of JOY at this very moment thinking of my Mother Doris! She made Christmas feel like Xmas, and she absolutely loved this song! RIP MAMA!! I WILL ALWAYS LOVE U!

@nycgoodfriend

5y↑33

Brings me back to my childhood during the holidays listening to the Soul Christmas album.

@susandeichsel7365

9y↑144

I love this song. I play it year-round. I especially like the last verse where it changes key. So cool.

@daynablack1180

6y↑4

Of course you do.... It's that real Black king shit!!!!

@williamdobbs1069

6y↑3

I agree!

@talkdattrashimmapullyacard4396

@@daynablack1180 😘

@talkdattrashimmapullyacard4396

🎄 Christmas 2021✌

@cantstoptheflow

10y↑89

My grandmother loved this song....she would always be playing it when we came over for Christmas!!!! RIP!!!!

@mikerose2470

cantstoptheflow what happened to your granddaughter?

@donricci77

6y↑1

❤️

@chantelallen7030

5y↑26

My son and I were jamming to this while he was opening his gifts. He wanted to hear it again so I played it from here. Thanks for the share.

@lunupe83

13y↑5

Wow!! This is my dad's favorite Christmas song! Ah, the memories of being a child seeing my dad enjoy this song :-) Classic! Thanks for the post!!

@sylviaperales8354

4y↑7

Today is November 10, 2020. I LOVE THIS MUSIC!!! It's 2 weeks and 2 days til Thanksgiving. I am so excited about the upcoming holidays. Covid has really brought a depressing year this year for lots of families. God Bless all of the people who lost their lives to covid and to the families of the victims. May God bring many Blessings to everybody this season. Otis Redding has the voice and the words to make the holiday season even more joyous. Y'all stay Blessed. Much Love.

@eccenxeqb2327

2y↑2

My moms always played this song while she’s cooking then my dad start dancing. Rip moms rip dad. I miss them. 😢

@jfelton1990

13y↑5

What I like about christmas, is that it brings the best out of people. Everyone is nice and seem happy. No matter how broke I am or how hard times get Christmas makes me feel good. And the songs just do something to me.

@lilliejohnson891

5y↑25

memories when I was a child mom would play this over and over. wish she was here, 35 years without her and love is what she put in my heart year round

@jukemjamie5878

Know how you feel.

@trishlandry9378

2y↑2

Absolutely my favorite Christmas song ever! ❤️🎄💚🎵

@pamdavis2230

5y↑10

This song brings back memories. I was 10 years old. My dad loved this song. Rest his soul. I miss you so much daddy.

@smilingdog2219

5y↑5

Great lyrics and vocals.

@timothymcclain4551

2y↑3

I love Otis Redding and this song!

@coffeeinbed69

8y↑12

Damn, this brings back some good old warm memories. My parents would play this song every Christmas. It ain't Christmas without this song. Sing good Otis. "Every thank here is beautiful" .

@MRSR21

10y↑43

Love Otis so much. Takes me back to the house parties my parents had where my brother and I would peek out of our rooms from time to time to watch the dancing and laughing going on. Such memories and wonderful music.

@medical4652

Any relation, Ms. Redding ...

@angelbabylove83

13y↑3

This song puts me in the Holiday Spirit! It's always playing at my parent's around Christmas. I have visions of my mom cooking and my dad chopping up all the veges and making the greens! I can't wait....happy holidays to all

@karenlong4817

6y↑5

Love Otis. I appreciate his music.

@sonyakyle8473

10y↑345

This songs brings back great memories of the music my parents played at Christmas. My Dad is gone now. R.I.P. Daddy.

@alexandermitchell2038

sonya kyle

@mzmicki111

7y↑1

sonya kyle ikr and u miss them most at Xmas time. Mariah Carey. 😦😢😢😢

@anneypma1560

7y↑1

oh thats sad im sorry! XC

@mrbojangles977

7y↑2

Your dad must have been a smart man Sonya , take care and play your dad's tunes and enjoy.

@shelley-anneharris6817

6y↑4

This was my dad's song too. Mine's gone too. Missing him

14 More Replies...

@mgm.comingsoon7527

8y↑9

Bringing back memories of being a little kid of 11 years old and my late Grandmother playing this song and we cooking pies and cakes. That was such a wonderful time in my life even though we were in the mist of racism, something I didn't know anything about. Very Shielded from it ! !

@michaelh4382

3y↑1

My all time favorite... worth it, not just because of Otis, but the horns are killer!!

@angie29307

6y↑5

My granddaddy's favorite version of this was by Charles Brown🎅...but I simply fell in love 💞with this one by Otis!! 🎄 RIP daddy "Tee" Thomas Mings!😘 #MerryChristmas2018🎁

@michaelmiller5066

5y↑3

So, So, many beautiful memories of my mom listening to this song. It is one of my all time favorite Christmas songs. I can't stop listening. lol

@canvasriley4551

5y↑5

Brings back good memories. My dad would play this song every Christmas.

@ginawhite8636

2y↑3

I've never heard this song before and I was shopping in Belks and I Shazamed it. This is my Christmas song from now on😊

@MitchClement-il6iq

40w

That's happen to me couple times shopping lol, I remember hearing bb king merryChristmas baby and thought was awesome.

@sythlorde

10y↑10

my aunt plays this every christmas! I love the tune of this song, reminds me of family

@rhondachambers7080

3y↑4

certainly gets your Christmas groove on! Loved Otis!!!

@katec8796

4y↑5

Always in my top 10 to play every Christmas - and all the other days in between lol.

@bebb6

13y↑1

love it! why dont we have artists like this today?

@tammygause4651

8y↑2

My mom and step dad use to play this when. my sister and brother and me were children.. .brings back some of the best Christmas memories!!!

@devilisalair5641

5y↑9

He has a wonderful voice.

@KATECM1

12y↑1

Otis is getting me in the Christmas spirit!

@nicholasmiller1424

9y↑261

Otis is the best! Rest in Peace

@donricci77

6y↑5

He is ! RIP

@williamdobbs1069

6y↑4

Yes sir!

@footballrealist4024

5y↑5

My white brother thank you for your appreciation !

@henryjohnson8477

5y↑3

Indeed he was!!😉

@wandatillman7565

5y↑6

He could sing the alphabet, and it would sound awesome!

2 More Replies...

@beverlyjohnson6911

3y↑3

I just love this jam I play it over and over bring back all kind of memory RIP mom Jerry Ralph aunt Rachel 💔 I'm still holding on 💔💔 heart ache 💔 for you guys but God 🙏🙌🙌🙌

@MyUvb

10y↑9

Ohhh this reminds me of when I was a small child going to the toy store with my parents as snow started to fall. Otis is a magician

@jabm0495

12y↑1

Otis Redding is pure Soul ...So very powerful..Love his voice and the way his sings.

@TheJman2600

4y↑87

On Rod Stewart's version, he also says "Half past three, y'all." That undoubtedly was a tribute to Otis, who is one of Rod's heroes.

@beverlyjohnson5503

4y↑5

I always like Rod Stewart he so 🆒😎

@hattiehendrix5336

Oh my my love you Mister

@sheilahoward2103

@@beverlyjohnson5503 lll

@CaliWilderness

I went and listened lo Rod's version and quickly came back to listen to this gem again. Nothing tops it!

@alanwilson8407

Rod could REALLY sing with soul back in the day . Wish he didn't sell out so much over the years!

@darryldavis7994

5y↑9

Otis Redding made a classic Christmas song. I love hearing this song all Season long.
#CHRISTMAS2019

@sanguine9331

5y↑1

Merry Christmas! This song will get anyone in the holiday spirit.

@pamelaarlethiaalexander9912

5y↑1

Love it with you. Those times our Parent made our world seem safe.

@blondellestraker7234

5y↑3

52 years ago and were still enjoying it. Otis was and is still king 🤴🏾

@StefanieD4750

6y↑5

This tune played in our home every year, Thanksgiving thru New Year!

@msd7331

5y↑2

Otis just downright magnificent singer

@latarshacarroll5546

3y↑2

Born in 1978 this song was played in my house on Christmas 🎄. Marry with kids and still have the tradition going on.

@dulanigoslin1243

5y↑4

I'm a Otis Redding lover so I'm listening. Merry Christmas to all sleeping legends musically or theatrically.

@lorraineedmay

5y↑3

I’m still playing this, love this beautiful song!

@sartainja

3y↑2

Viva the memory and music of Otis Redding. He may be gone but his music will live on forever.

@bestlife9409

6y↑10

They need to make a movie about Otis.... He was a legend

@jackiewalker3074

6y↑1

Yes,indeed the good left us two soon,amen

@robertamckenzie7257

Grew up listening to this song at Christmastime. Love it.

@mrbobbitt92

10y↑61

Mom & Dad loved this song!!!!! RIP

@donricci77

Same here

@michaelfontenot5725

8y↑6

one of my all time favorites "Please Come Home For Christmas"

@b-dalebarksdale348

2y↑1

I'm a 80s baby but I love me some Big O Otis Redding, rest easy Big O💐 a true Legend 💙 that died way way before his time, Merry Christmas everyone!! 🙏💞

@doriswilliams1044

6y↑1

Granddaughter loves this song and she only 11yrs old.So music like this still touch hearts.

@rev.niketad.wilson1692

5y↑2

love it !

@diem8225

3y↑3

Still Rocking it , 2021 Christmas 🎄

@positivepraisepromoter

7y↑1

One of my Favorite soulful Christmas songs!

@davesmoothie

6y↑3

...how can anyone not like this song #Classic

@tonyjones5062

40w

I just love this song so very much it's one of my all time favorites 👍

@juanitacooper9296

2y↑2

My father would play this every Christmas RIP Daddy miss you much

@ShandelAmezquita

4y↑2

Brings back a lot of memories, great song🙂

@snsharbaby81

13y

One of the Greatest Christmas Songs that will ever be!!!!!! Sing it Otis!!!!!!

@luvandpatience

42w

My dad would play this song every year lololol. Precious memories ❤

@blackamericanlesbianprofes4357

10y↑4

Oh my goodness this is another favorite song from a Holiday cd, I grew up listening to in the 1990s including this song along with O'Jays' I Can't Hardly Wait 'Til Christmas ( a favorite!) and various other songs. Thank you for posting! :)

@barblewis1096

11y↑2

This is an old favorite - especially back in the day when I was still in the clubs at holiday times. The DJ would put this on and get the crowd in the Christmas spirit!!!

@thomaswhitfield386

Barb Lewis

@damilitantone

I grew up in the 60s and when Otis Redding passed just before Sitting on the dock of the bay was released, it was a huge loss for the music world. RIP to one of the all time greats.

@christianadams2493

6y↑1

This was 1 of the most memorable christmas songs I'd heard growing up

@tywandajohnson9491

5y↑3

Currently 6:59am in Baton Rouge La getting my kids ready for school blasting this with my tree lit and a 9ft snowman in my yard🎄😊

@alanfox7860

I never heard this Christmas song before Otis Redding had a excellent and brilliant voice.

@barblewis1096

10y↑61

Here it is Christmas again - And as usual - I got to hear this song by Otis.
Nobody sings it like him. Merry Christmas Ya'll !

@donricci77

6y↑1

Nobody sings it like him, nobody, no doubt ! ❤️

2 More Replies...

@salt64

5y↑1

Love this song and this man!

@stephensaxby2820

3y↑2

One of my Soul music heroes..and a singer who died way before his time.

@bahamapro32

12y

Man when I was a kid my mom used to play this and white christmas all the time. Such fond memories.

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