Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Asleep At The Wheel Billy Gilman Ray Benson Lyrics


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You know Dasher and Dancer
And Prancer and Vixen,
Comet and Cupid
And Donner and Blitzen.
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows

All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games

Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say
Rudolph with your nose so bright
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?

Then all the reindeer loved him
And they shouted out with glee




Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
You'll go down in history!

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" introduce us to the eight famous reindeer that pull Santa's sleigh. The list is recited in order, starting with Dasher and Dancer, and ending with Donner and Blitzen. The repetition of the names is almost like a chant or a mantra, helping to emphasize the importance of each reindeer in the Christmas tradition. But then comes the question, "But do you recall the most famous reindeer of all?" This is where the story takes a turn, as we learn about Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, who is not part of the original list. In fact, he is the subject of ridicule and exclusion from the other reindeer, who never let him join in their games. Yet, Rudolph's unique quality, his shiny nose, is exactly what makes him stand out and ultimately saves Christmas. When Santa's sleigh is unable to navigate through the fog, Rudolph's nose is bright enough to lead the way, earning him the love and admiration of the other reindeer and securing his place in history.


What makes the story of Rudolph so enduring is its message of acceptance and the celebration of differences. The song acknowledges that being different can be difficult and even painful, but it also highlights the value of those differences and the potential they have to bring people together. Rudolph's bravery and kindness in spite of being rejected by the others is a powerful lesson, reminding us that we all have something unique to offer and that our worth does not depend on the approval of others.


Line by Line Meaning

You know Dasher and Dancer
You are familiar with the names of two of Santa's reindeer.


And Prancer and Vixen,
Additionally, you recognize two more of his reindeer, Prancer and Vixen.


Comet and Cupid
You are also aware of two more of Santa's reindeer named Comet and Cupid.


And Donner and Blitzen.
Finally, you know the last two of Santa's reindeer, Donner and Blitzen.


But do you recall
However, there is one reindeer in particular that you may have forgotten.


The most famous reindeer of all?
Would you agree that Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, is the most well-known of them all?


Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
This is the name of the special reindeer we have been discussing.


Had a very shiny nose
Rudolph's nose was particularly bright and noticeable.


And if you ever saw it
If you ever had a chance to look at Rudolph's nose...


You would even say it glows
...you would probably comment on how brilliantly it lights up.


All of the other reindeer
All of Rudolph's fellow reindeer...


Used to laugh and call him names
...used to make fun of him and call him unkind things.


They never let poor Rudolph
As a result of their bullying behavior, Rudolph was never allowed by the other reindeer...


Join in any reindeer games
...to participate in any of the activities that they enjoyed together.


Then one foggy Christmas Eve
On a particular Christmas Eve characterized by heavy fog...


Santa came to say
...Santa paid Rudolph a visit and spoke to him.


Rudolph with your nose so bright
Santa specifically referenced Rudolph's outstanding nose in his conversation.


Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?
He asked Rudolph to lead his sleigh that very night.


Then all the reindeer loved him
Following Rudolph's heroic act of guiding Santa's sleigh, all of the other reindeer felt affectionate toward him.


And they shouted out with glee
In their happiness, the other reindeer shouted joyfully...


Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
...Rudolph's name, clearly stating their approval and admiration.


You'll go down in history!
Finally, they made clear that Rudolph's brave actions would be celebrated and remembered throughout history.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GEORGE KLEINSINGER, ROBERT L. MAY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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