Jolly Old St. Nicholas
[Disney] Lyrics
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Lean your ear this way!
Don't you tell a single soul
What I'm going to say
Christmas Eve is coming soon
Now, you dear old man
Whisper what you'll bring to me
When the clock is striking twelve
When I'm fast asleep
Down the chimney, broad and black
With your pack you'll creep
All the stockings you will find
Hanging in a row
Mine will be the shortest one
You'll be sure to know
Johnny wants a pair of skates
Suzy wants a darling
Nellie wants a story book
She keeps stars on falling
As for me my little great
Isn't very bright
Choose for me dear Santa Claus
What you think is right
Jolly old Saint Nicholas
Lean your ear this way!
Don't you tell a single soul
What I'm going to say
Christmas Eve is coming soon
Now, you dear old man
Whisper what you'll bring to me
Tell me if you can
In "Jolly Old St. Nicholas," the singer is addressing Santa Claus, asking him to keep their Christmas wishes a secret. The song vividly sets the scene of Christmas Eve, with the clock striking twelve and the stockings hanging in a row. The singer shares that they hope to receive a gift from Santa, and, like many children at Christmas time, are unsure of what that gift might be. The song also highlights the individual wishes of three children: Johnny, who wants a pair of skates, Suzy, who wants a doll, and Nellie, who wants a storybook.
At its core, "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" is a song about the excitement and anticipation of Christmas. It captures the magical feeling of that night, of waiting for Santa Claus to make his yearly visit and leave behind special gifts. The song speaks to the inner child in all of us, reminding us of the wonder of the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
Jolly old Saint Nicholas,
Addressing Santa Claus, a beloved figure of Christmas who brings joy to all.
Lean your ear this way!
Requesting Santa to listen carefully and attentively so that the secret request can be heard.
Don't you tell a single soul
Urging Santa not to share the secret request with anyone else and keep it confidential.
What I'm going to say
Reinforcing the importance of secrecy and highlighting that the request is confidential.
Christmas Eve is coming soon
Highlighting the proximity of Christmas Eve, a day much awaited by all.
Now, you dear old man
Using affectionate terms to address Santa Claus, a figure who embodies the jovial spirit of Christmas.
Whisper what you'll bring to me
Requesting Santa to reveal the gifts he plans to bring in a hushed tone.
Tell me if you can
Testing Santa's ability to keep the secret and carry out the request as per the child's wishes.
When the clock is striking twelve
Setting the time frame for Santa to deliver gifts, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation.
When I'm fast asleep
Highlighting the fact that Santa delivers gifts while everyone is fast asleep, adding to the mystery and magic of the season.
Down the chimney, broad and black
Describing the traditional image of Santa sliding down the chimney with his bag of gifts, a major part of Christmas folklore.
With your pack you'll creep
Describing the stealthy manner in which Santa moves about, highlighting his magical and secretive ways.
All the stockings you will find
Describing the tradition of hanging stockings for Santa to fill with gifts, a custom that has been around for centuries.
Hanging in a row
Depicting the stockings hanging in a neat line, waiting to be filled with presents.
Mine will be the shortest one
Revealing the identity of the child by specifying that their stocking is the shortest, thus making sure that Santa knows whose request to fulfill first.
You'll be sure to know
Assuring Santa that there is no confusion with regard to the intended recipient of the gifts.
Johnny wants a pair of skates
Listing the gifts that the children have requested from Santa, highlighting that the wishes are simple and innocent.
Suzy wants a dolly
Listing a popular toy that a little girl wishes to receive, reinforcing the childlike appeal of Christmas.
Nellie wants a story book
Highlighting the fact that gifts need not always be materialistic, depicting a child who loves to read and learn.
She keeps stars on falling
Describing a child who has high hopes from Santa, likening it to catching stars, a rare and magical occurrence.
As for me my little great
Describing the child's modest wishes, underscoring the innocence of children and the importance of simple pleasures.
Isn't very bright
Admitting that the child's wish might not be fanciful or extravagant, reiterating that Christmas is about joy and simplicity.
Choose for me dear Santa Claus
Asking Santa to use his discretion to choose the perfect gift, as he knows best and is capable of delivering the perfect present.
What you think is right
Trusting Santa's choice and giving him complete freedom to select the ideal gift, knowing that his decision will bring joy and happiness.
Jolly old Saint Nicholas,
Reinforcing the festive spirit of Christmas, encapsulating the joy, happiness, and magic of the season.
Lean your ear this way!
Closing the song with a heartfelt request to listen carefully to the wishes, highlighting the importance of communication and trust.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: TRADITIONAL, DONALD N. BAGLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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