Chestnuts Roasting On An Open
Andy Williams & Perry Como Lyrics


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Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos

Everybody knows, a turkey and some mistletoe
Can 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

They know that Santa's on his way
With 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 "Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire" describe the joyful and festive atmosphere of the holiday season. The song paints a picture of a cozy scene with chestnuts roasting on a fire, while Jack Frost playfully nips at people's noses. Yuletide carols are being sung by a choir, creating a merry ambiance. The mention of people dressed up like Eskimos highlights the diversity and creativity that comes with celebrating Christmas.


The lyrics also touch on some beloved holiday traditions. The mention of a turkey and mistletoe suggests the importance of shared meals and romantic affection during this time of year. The sight of young children, with their eyes filled with wonder and excitement, struggling to sleep on Christmas Eve is a familiar scene to many. The anticipation of Santa Claus flying through the sky with his sleigh filled with toys and goodies for children is a magical element that adds to the charm of Christmas.


In the second verse, the lyrics convey the universal message of spreading holiday cheer. The singer offers a simple phrase of "Merry Christmas to you" to kids of all ages, from one to ninety-two. This repetition of the phrase emphasizes that the sentiment behind these words is timeless and should be shared with everyone, no matter their age or background.


Overall, the lyrics of "Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire" celebrate the joy, warmth, and traditions of Christmas, while also reminding us of the importance of spreading love and happiness during the holiday season.


Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Imagine the cozy scene of chestnuts being roasted on a warm fire, bringing a comforting and festive atmosphere.


Jack Frost nipping at your nose
In the cold winter weather, the frost nips at your nose, highlighting the chilliness of the season.


Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
Enjoy the beautiful melodies of traditional Christmas carols sung harmoniously by a group of talented singers.


And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Imagining people wearing warm and cozy clothing resembling Eskimos, indicating their readiness to embrace the winter season.


Everybody knows, a turkey and some mistletoe
It is widely known that having a delicious turkey and hanging some mistletoe helps create a joyful and festive atmosphere during the holidays.


Can help to make the season bright
These holiday elements contribute to the brightness and cheerfulness of the season, elevating everyone's mood and spirits.


Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
The excitement and wonder in the eyes of young children, full of anticipation and joy, adds to the magic of Christmas.


Will find it hard to sleep tonight
With such excitement and anticipation, the young ones may struggle to fall asleep on the night before Christmas, eagerly awaiting the gifts and surprises.


They know that Santa's on his way
Children are aware that Santa Claus is en route to deliver presents, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and belief in the magical figure.


He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa Claus has carefully prepared and loaded an abundance of toys and treats onto his sleigh to bring joy to all the children.


And every mother's child is gonna spy
All children, without exception, eagerly try to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus, secretly observing for any signs of his presence.


To see if reindeer really know how to fly
Curiosity reigns as children eagerly hope to witness the phenomenon of reindeer flying, wanting to confirm the enchanting tales they've heard.


And so I'm offering this simple phrase
Now, I humbly present this straightforward expression


To kids from one to ninety two
To children of all ages, from the youngest to the oldest, highlighting the universality of the Christmas spirit.


Although it's been said many times, many ways
Even though this sentiment has been expressed countless times, in various manners


Merry Christmas to you
I wholeheartedly wish you a joyful and Merry Christmas




Lyrics ยฉ DistroKid, Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Cost Ander

Another magnificent concert of Andy in Tokyo (1988): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJg-ZO3lRPg&index=4&list=PL9P9sjAsAsfWLuuOZu9sWxIPQeXgClJOJ

Pippy Long

Thank God the good old days !
Not a minority in sight !

Allen Jones

Andy's spouse Claudine Longet was a charming and lovely lady, but she wasn't a very good singer in my book.

Cost Ander

@T C you are welcome!

T C

I used to have many Andy Williams albums as a teen! He had a great voice! Thanks for this video!

12 More Replies...

G MAN

I was 20 years old, and a young U.S. Marine when this Christmas program aired, and now Iโ€™m watching it for the first time. My Christmas in the following year was spent in Vietnam in combat. Iโ€™m old now, but Iโ€™ll never give up the Christmas spirit. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Patri Marti

Thank you for your service Sir, and WELCOME HOME!

David Doyle

This was family television. All the family would sit and watch together. Mom made popcorn on the stove, Dad would turn off the lights, the Christmas tree was all lit up, we kids were in our pajamas lying on the floor. It felt so warm, so cozy, so safe. It was Christmas!!

Living in the Forest

โคโคโค Glad to be born in 1962. Proud boomer any day!

Judy Pasqualone

Sounds wonderful.

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