branched out into music, but that is the opposite of how they began. After first being brought to life in Bagdasarian's 1950s novelty recordings under the name David Seville and the Chipmunks, the characters were an unprecedented success, and the singing Chipmunks and their manager were given life in several animated cartoon series and motion pictures.
The voices of the group were all performed by Bagdasarian, who sped up the playback to create the higher pitched, squeaky voices. This process was not entirely new; Bagdasarian had also used it for a previous novelty song project, "The Witch Doctor", but it was so unusual and well executed it earned the "trio" two Grammy Awards for engineering. Although the characters were fictional, they did release a long line of "real" albums and singles, with "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" becoming a number-one hit single in the United States. After his death in 1972, the voices of the Chipmunks were subsequently recorded by his son, Ross Bagdasarian, Jr., and his wife, Janice Karman, in all subsequent incarnations to date.
Here We Come A-Caroling
Alvin and The Chipmunks Lyrics
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Among the leaves so green!
Here we come a-wandering,
So fair to be seen!
Love and joy come to you,
And a merry Christmas too,
So we send you and wish you,
And we sing you a Happy New Year!
We are not daily beggars,
That beg from door to door!
But we are neighbors' children,
Whom you have seen before!
Love and joy come to you,
And a merry Christmas too,
So we send you and wish you,
A Happy New Year,
And we sing a Happy New Year!
The master and mistress
as you sit by the fire
think of us poor children
who wander in the mire
Love and joy come to you,
And a merry Christmas too,
So we send you and wish you,
A Happy New Year,
And we sing a Happy New Year!
So bless the master of this house
likewise the mistress too
and all the little children
that round the table go
Love and joy come to you,
And a merry Christmas too,
So we send you and wish you,
A Happy New Year,
And we sing a Happy New Year!
"Here We Come A-Caroling" by Alvin and The Chipmunks is a festive and heartwarming song that captures the essence of spreading love and joy during the holiday season. The lyrics convey a group of carolers joyously wandering among the green leaves, sharing their merry spirits with those around them. The imagery of the carolers being "so fair to be seen" adds to the festive and cheerful nature of the song.
The lyrics emphasize that the carolers are not like daily beggars who go door to door asking for charity. Instead, they are familiar faces in the neighborhood, hoping to bring happiness and goodwill to their neighbors. This distinction highlights the sincerity and genuine intentions of the carolers as they share their songs and well wishes for a Happy New Year with those they encounter.
The verses also touch upon the contrast between the warmth of sitting by the fire and the cold reality faced by less fortunate children wandering in the mire. The carolers encourage the listeners to think of those less fortunate and to extend their love and joy to all, especially during the Christmas season. This plea for empathy and compassion adds depth and emotional resonance to the song's message of spreading cheer and goodwill.
The closing verses offer blessings for the master and mistress of the house, as well as for all the children gathered around the table. The song encapsulates a sense of community, togetherness, and the importance of sharing blessings with others, embodying the spirit of generosity and camaraderie that defines the holiday season. Overall, "Here We Come A-Caroling" celebrates the traditions of caroling, spreading joy, and fostering connections within the community during this special time of year.
Line by Line Meaning
Here we come a-caroling,
We are spreading holiday cheer through song
Among the leaves so green!
Enjoying the festive decorations
Here we come a-wandering,
We are joyfully exploring the neighborhood
So fair to be seen!
Our presence adds to the holiday spirit
We are not daily beggars,
We are not asking for charity
That beg from door to door!
We are familiar faces seeking goodwill
But we are neighbors' children,
We are part of the community
Whom you have seen before!
You have welcomed us in the past
The master and mistress
The heads of the household
as you sit by the fire
As you gather around the warmth
think of us poor children
Consider those less fortunate
who wander in the mire
Who are in need of help
So bless the master of this house
May the household be blessed
likewise the mistress too
And the lady of the house as well
and all the little children
As well as the younger members
that round the table go
Gathered around the dining table
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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