In 1958, Ben Nelson joined a doo wop group, The Five Crowns. Later that same year, The Drifters' manager fired the members of the group and replaced them with The Five Crowns, who had performed several engagements with The Drifters. He co-wrote the first hit by the new version of The Drifters, "There Goes My Baby" (1959). He also sang lead, using his birth name, on "Save the Last Dance for Me," a song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, "Dance With Me," "This Magic Moment," "I Count the Tears," and other The Drifters hits.
In 1960 he left the group after failing to gain a salary increase and a fairer share of the group's royalties. At this point he assumed the more memorable stage name Ben E. King in preparation for a solo career. Remaining on Atlantic, King scored his first solo hit with the stylish, Latin-tinged ballad "Spanish Harlem" (1961). "Stand by Me" was his next recording. "Stand by Me", written by King along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller was voted one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America. "Stand by Me" and "Spanish Harlem" were named as two of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and were both also given a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.
King's records continued to place well on the pop charts until 1963, when British pop bands began to dominate the popular music scene. His hits after 1963 were "What is Soul?" (1967), "Supernatural Thing, part 1" (1975), and the re-issue in 1986 of "Stand by Me" following the song's use as the theme music to the movie of the same name.
The Christmas Song
Ben E. King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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!
Ben E. King's The Christmas Song is one of the most revered and beloved Christmas tunes of all time, evoking feelings of nostalgia and warmth during the festive season. The opening lines, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose," conjure up a cozy and inviting image of a chilly winter evening, where folks are gathered around the fireplace enjoying the warmth, while the chilly weather outside reminds them of the beauty and excitement of the holidays. The Yuletide carols sung by a choir, and people dressed up like Eskimos weave a dreamy and magical atmosphere.
The next verse highlights the most-hyped traditions of the season, like turkey and mistletoe, which help make the season brighter. The sight of children with their eyes wide open, in amazement of the Christmassy atmosphere and everything that surrounds them creates an aura of wonder and joy. They are eagerly waiting for Santa Claus who, they know, will arrive with his sleigh full of gifts and goodies, hoping to fulfill their Christmas wishes. The final line, "Merry Christmas to you," is a timeless wish of happiness, peace and joy that the lyrics offer to everyone who hears them.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Warmth and coziness symbolize the holiday season, with the crackle of an open fire and the scent of roasting chestnuts.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The chill of winter reminds us that it's time for the holiday season, with the playful nip of Jack Frost on our noses.
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The joyous spirit of Christmas is heralded in by the beautiful carols sung by a choir during this time of year.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
The cold winter weather prompts us to bundle up and stay warm, with people often dressing up in cozy winter wear such as Eskimo jackets.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Traditional holiday decor and food are an integral part of the festive season, with turkeys and mistletoe being common symbols of the holidays.
Help to make the season bright
These symbols brighten up the season and add to the happiness and excitement of the festivities.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children are filled with wonder and anticipation during the holidays, with their shining eyes reflecting the magic of the season.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
The excitement of Christmas Eve makes it hard for kids to fall asleep, with the anticipation of Santa's arrival and the prospect of unwrapping presents in the morning keeping them wide awake.
They know that Santa's on his way
The belief in Santa Claus is an important part of the holiday season, with children eagerly anticipating his arrival during the night.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa's sleigh is filled with presents and goodies for all the children who have been good throughout the year, adding to the excitement of his visit.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Children have a curious nature and are on the lookout for Santa Claus during the night, with every child eagerly awaiting his arrival.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
Santa's flying reindeer are one of the many magical elements of the holidays, and children are filled with wonder at the idea of them soaring through the sky.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
In the spirit of the holidays and the joy it brings, a simple message of goodwill and cheer is offered.
To kids from one to ninety-two
This message is extended to everyone, from young children to the young at heart, as the festive season is a time for people of all ages to come together and celebrate.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
As a traditional holiday greeting, this message has been repeated numerous times throughout the years in various forms and ways.
Merry Christmas to you!
But no matter how many times it has been said, the core sentiment remains the same, wishing everyone a heartfelt Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
serena saggezza
It's the very first time I listen to it. It's super. Great Ben.
Pisoi Pisoi
wonderful..,