The Christmas Song
Alexander O'Neal 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
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!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Alexander O'Neal's "The Christmas Song" convey the joy and excitement that surrounds the holiday season. The imagery of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose and yuletide carols being sung by a choir provides a cozy and warm ambiance that is closely associated with Christmas.


The second verse of the song highlights the role of food and decorations in making the season bright. A turkey dinner and mistletoe decorations are popular in many households during the Christmas period. The sight of tiny tots with their eyes sparkling with excitement also captures the joy that is synonymous with the time of year.


The third verse builds on the magic of Santa Claus, who is expected to deliver gifts on Christmas Eve. The lyrics indicate that every child, regardless of age, looks forward to Santa's arrival, and are always eager to see if the reindeer can fly. The final verse is a simple and heartfelt holiday message wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, which reinforces the warm and loving tone of the song.


Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The expression of the warm and cozy atmosphere that Christmas brings forth as everyone is gathered around the fire and roasting chestnuts.


Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The coldness of winter is in full effect and can be felt as Jack Frost nips at your nose.


Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The joyous songs of Christmas being sung by the church choir which adds its own special touch to the season.


And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
The people all bundled up in layers resembling Eskimos, ready to take on the cold weather.


Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
The perfect pairing of turkey and mistletoe that brings families and loved ones together during the festive season.


Help to make the season bright
The bright and cheerful atmosphere that turkey and mistletoe create in making the season a happy one.


Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
The excitement and wonder that little children experience during Christmas, as they light up with joy.


Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
Their excitement will naturally keep them from falling asleep easily since they are looking forward to Christmas morning's surprises.


They know that Santa's on his way
The excitement and anticipation for Santa Claus's arrival is palpable in the air.


He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa Claus has prepared lots of toys and gifts, wrapped and packed neatly in his sleighs, waiting to be delivered to children worldwide.


And every mother's child is gonna spy
Every child, regardless of their age, is hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus and his reindeer in action.


To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
Whether in disbelief or pure curiosity or simply due to their childlike wonder, they watch to see whether reindeer can really fly or not.


And so I'm offering this simple phrase
As a way to express his love and joy towards Christmas and its festivities, the singer offers a simple phrase.


To kids from one to ninety-two
This simple phrase is meant for all children of all ages, from one to ninety-two years old.


Although it's been said many times, many ways
Although this message of festive cheer and goodwill has been expressed countless times and in numerous ways before this moment.


Merry Christmas to you!
The singer finally delivers his heartwarming Christmas message as he wishes everyone a joyous and Merry Christmas.




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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