The Christmas Song
Aaron Neville Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning
Jack frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
Everybody knows a turkey
And some mistletoe
Help 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.
The song "Christmas Song" by Aaron Neville is a classic holiday tune that captures the essence of the Christmas season. The song begins with the image of chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at one's nose. These sensory details set the mood for the holiday season and evoke feelings of warmth and coziness. The next verse describes the sounds of Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir and people dressed up like Eskimos. The imagery in this verse creates an idyllic holiday scene that is both nostalgic and timeless.
The chorus of the song highlights the timeless traditions of the holiday season, including eating turkey and hanging mistletoe. The reference to "tiny tots with their eyes all aglow" emphasizes the excitement and wonder of Christmas for children. The anticipation of Santa's arrival is also a central theme, as children eagerly wait for him to deliver toys and goodies on his sleigh. The final verse brings the song full circle by returning to the opening image of chestnuts roasting on an open fire. The song concludes with the singer offering the simple phrase, "Merry Christmas to you," a sentiment that captures the spirit of the holiday season and reminds listeners of the importance of connection and goodwill towards others.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The smell of roasted chestnuts in the air brings warmth and comfort during the cold winter season.
Jack frost nipping at your nose
The icy wind and freezing temperatures are biting at your face and nose, causing discomfort and reminding you to bundle up.
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The joyful sound of Christmas music being sung by a group of voices in harmony. It is a reminder of the true spirit of the season.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People are bundled up in warm, cozy clothes, resembling the traditional dress of Eskimos. It shows how we adapt and prepare for the cold weather during the holidays.
Everybody knows a turkey
Turkey is a popular food item during Christmas and everyone is familiar with it as a staple for the holiday feast.
And some mistletoe
Mistletoe, a romantic tradition during Christmas, hangs above couples' heads for them to kiss underneath. It brings love and joy to the season.
Help to make the season bright
Food, decorations, and traditions all contribute to the festive and bright atmosphere of the holiday season.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children, excited for Christmas morning and the presents they will receive, have wide eyes full of excitement and anticipation.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
Filled with anticipation and excitement, children find it difficult to get to sleep the night before Christmas.
They know that Santa's on his way
Children believe that Santa Claus, the magical gift-giver, will be coming soon with presents on Christmas morning.
He's loaded lots of toys
Santa Claus has brought many toys and gifts to children to make their Christmas special and memorable.
And goodies on his sleigh
Along with toys, Santa Claus has brought treats and snacks for all the good boys and girls on his sleigh.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
All children are looking forward to seeing Santa Claus and catching a glimpse of his magical reindeer leading his sleigh.
To see if reindeer
Children are curious to see if Santa Claus's magical reindeer really exist and can fly through the sky delivering presents.
Really know how to fly.
Children are in awe of the magic of Christmas and believe that Santa Claus's reindeer really can fly and deliver presents to everyone around the world.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
The singer is offering a simple, yet meaningful phrase to everyone as a warm and heartfelt message for the holiday season.
To kids from one to ninety-two
The message is intended for everyone, from young children to the elderly, to remind us all of the spirit of Christmas.
Although it's been said
The message may be something that has been heard before, but it still holds its meaning and importance for the holiday season.
Many times, many ways
The message of Merry Christmas and good wishes for the season has been expressed in many different ways over time, but the sentiment remains the same.
Merry Christmas to you.
The singer wishes everyone a happy and joyous Merry Christmas, filled with love, peace, and celebration.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Neville charted again, in 1989, when he collaborated with Linda Ronstadt on three consecutive duets: Don't Know Much Read Full BioAaron Neville (born January 24, 1941, New Orleans, Louisiana) is an American soul and R&B singer and musician. He made his debut in 1966 with the hit single Tell It Like It Is, a Number One hit on the Billboard R&B charts. From 1977 he performed as part of The Neville Brothers with his siblings, Art Neville, Charles Neville, Cyril Neville & Ivan Neville.
Neville charted again, in 1989, when he collaborated with Linda Ronstadt on three consecutive duets: Don't Know Much, All My Life, and When Something Is Wrong with My Baby, the first two reached Number One on the Adult Contemporary charts. Neville has released more than 20 singles, including three Number Ones on the Adult Contemporary format, and a fourth on the R&B format.
His other hits have included Everybody Plays the Fool, his successful 1991 cover of the 1972 Main Ingredient song, that reached #8 on the Hot 100; Don't Take Away My Heaven, Hercules and Can't Stop My Heart From Loving You (The Rain Song). Neville's biggest solo successes have been on the Adult Contemporary chart, where "Don't Know Much," "All My Life," and "Everybody Plays the Fool" all reached Number One.
Aaron signed to SonyBMG's new Burgundy Records label in late 2005 and recorded an album of songs by Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Sam Cooke and others for Bring It On Home...The Soul Classics, released on September 19, 2006. The album, produced by Stewart Levine, features collaborations between Neville and Chaka Khan, Mavis Staples, Chris Botti, David Sanborn, Art Neville, and others. The album's first single was a remake of The Impressions' 1963 classic It's All Right.
On October 27, 2006, Neville made a guest appearance on an episode of the soap opera The Young and the Restless. He sang Stand By Me" and Ain't No Sunshine, from his album, Bring It on Home … The Soul Classics. In 2008 he released Gold, which includes a double album of his hits.
http://www.aaronneville.com
K. Caruso
Timeless and unique! I don't think he has ever received the recognition he deserves.
MCG
The original artist Charles Brown never got his deserved recognition either...
Dee Moore
Aaron is my voice to be forever grateful to hear it often at my holiday times and beyond! Love to hear him sing heartfelt Christmas tunes!!
Rosa Barnes
I agree Boo Boo.
Mr Beedoz
Aaron's voice and style is a STAND-ALONE! Much luv 🙏🏼
Rosa Barnes
Sooooo true Dozie.
M H
He is the best. Definitely has his own style and no one can come close.
Rosa Barnes
Hi Ashley Masion. You hit the nail on the head!! No voice is like his. 😊🎄🎄🌹🌹
nicholas mistic
From a family of wonderful misicians. His older brother is credited by some for being one of the originators of FUNK!!! Happy Holidays Neville Family and Friends
socolover64
I agree