The Christmas Song
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
Will help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all a-glow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys
An' 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!

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 Christmas Song" is a classic holiday tune that captures the enchantment and magic of the season. The lyrics describe the quintessential Christmas experience, from roasting chestnuts to the sound of carolers singing in the streets. The first verse sets the cozy, comforting scene with the image of chestnuts roasting on an open fire while Jack Frost nips at your nose. The second verse paints a picture of families coming together to celebrate the holiday, with folks dressed up like Eskimos and Yuletide carols being sung by a choir.


The third verse alludes to the excitement of Christmas morning, with tiny tots unable to sleep due to their anticipation of Santa's arrival. The lyrics describe how every child hopes to catch a glimpse of reindeer in flight as Santa makes his rounds delivering toys and goodies. Finally, the song closes with a simple wish for a Merry Christmas to all.


Interestingly, "The Christmas Song" was written during a heatwave in Los Angeles. Mel TormƩ and Bob Wells were inspired to write a song that would invoke a wintery Christmas feeling, despite the California weather. The duo wrote the song in 45 minutes, and it quickly became a holiday classic. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and Tony Bennett.


Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The aroma of chestnuts being roasted on a fireplace fills the air with warmth and comfort


Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The cold winter frost bites your nose as you step out in the chilly weather


Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
A group of people singing carols in celebration of the holiday season


And folks dressed up like Eskimos
People wearing warm clothes to protect themselves from the freezing temperatures of winter, resembling the dressing style of Eskimos


Everybody knows
The knowledge of certain customs and traditions commonly held by people during the holiday season


A turkey and some mistletoe
The delicacies of the season, offering warmth and togetherness among family and friends


Will help to make the season bright
The joy and cheerfulness that these customs bring to the holiday season


Tiny tots with their eyes all a-glow
Excited and delighted children with bright, wide eyes, filled with the wonder of the season


Will find it hard to sleep tonight
The anticipation of gifts and a visit from Santa Claus makes it difficult for children to fall asleep on Christmas Eve


They know that Santa's on his way
The belief and excitement that Santa Claus will soon arrive to deliver gifts


He's loaded lots of toys
Santa Claus has a sleigh carrying many presents for the children


An' goodies on his sleigh
The various goodies and treats that Santa Claus brings for children on Christmas


And every mother's child is gonna spy
Each and every child looks forward to seeing Santa Claus and the reindeer, and eagerly tries to catch a glimpse of them


To see if reindeer really know how to fly
Children wonder if the magical creatures like reindeer can really fly in the sky, carrying gifts for children across the world


And so I'm offering this simple phrase
Expressing a heartfelt and sincere wish for the joy and happiness of Christmas to everyone


To kids from one to ninety-two
Offering the message of Christmas to people of all ages, from children to the elderly


Although it's been said
Even though these words have been spoken many times before


Many times, many ways
In different languages, cultures, and traditions


Merry Christmas to you!
Wishing everyone a joyful and merry Christmas season




Lyrics Ā© BMG Rights Management
Written by: DIMINO, GIUFFRIA, MEADOWS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@simondavis2116

I can't believe this song is not played more often at Christmas! I know it was originally written for the Odessa file, but the message behind it what the Christmas spirit is all about!! A favourite Christmas song of mine!!

@jody1367

That's where I first heard it as a kid, The Odessa Files. Such a beautiful song.

@Chartreuse03

Wow! Idk that. I need to watch it again.I read the book in 8-9th grade, but only saw movie once, years later. Great song regardless.

@pauljbutler7756

Because they have Playlists for Radio ~ if You are not on the List They don't play You ~ like Elvis Blue Christmas also Hardly Ever gets played ~ and Kate Bush ~ December Will be Magic Again ~~

@mikewood4242

Was not written for Odessa File

@theenglishalpinist5031

Probably because of the Nazi connotations due to the film. It has nothing to do with Nazis, but people are so thck and poitical correctness rampant.

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@joylunn3445

This is a song written in 1974 by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber and sung by the the lovely Perry Como. For decades I thought it was an early 1960's German song.

@tombristowe846

Me too. Years ago, when I heard it at the beginning of The Odessa File I assumed it was no1 Christmas song from 1960 or thereabouts.

@judytruesdell6816

Iā€™m 70 years old, and Iā€™ve never heard this song until today. I like it ā¤ļø

@user-lq1tb1eq7z

You have good taste...
4 an Olde Person!šŸ˜®ā¤

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