Beresford Hammond (b.August 28,1955 Annotto Bay,St.Mary, Jamaica) has only … Read Full Bio ↴Beresford Hammond (b.August 28,1955 Annotto Bay,St.Mary, Jamaica) has only really risen to become popular in the 'digital' age of Reggae, although his career stretches back to the 1970's. Considered by many to be one of Jamaica's finest contemporary vocalists, his best work has generally been captured on the 'Penthouse' and 'Xterminator' labels as well as his own 'Harmony House' imprint. The singer with his distictive 'Bourbon on the rocks' vocal style remains active today both recording and producing.

The Christmas Song
Beres Hammond Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
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

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!

Overall Meaning

In Beres Hammond's rendition of The Christmas Song, the opening line speaks to the traditional imagery of the holiday season - chestnuts roasting on an open fire. This description immediately sets the scene of a cozy, warm ambiance that the arrival of Christmas often brings. Jack Frost, on the other hand, is described as nipping at your nose, bringing a chill that warns of the impending winter weather. The second line introduces the idea of caroling, depicting a choir sharing their voices in song to celebrate the season. The final line of the first verse describes the attire of those reveling in the festivities, with "folks dressed up like Eskimos," suggesting the idea of being insulated from the cold, dressing warmly and jovially in the spirit of Christmas.

The chorus that follows speaks to the wide range of traditions and customs that are present during Christmastime. Whether it's enjoying the warmth of being with loved ones, partaking in the seasonal foods, or feeling excitement over the anticipated arrival of Santa Claus, these symbols and moments help make the season bright. As the lyrics continue, the reference to children with eyes all aglow adds a touch of innocence and joy to the picture being painted. The idea of Santa's arrival has inspired the children's imagination, fueling their curiosity of the world around them.

In the end, Beres Hammond reminds the listener of the timeless sentiment of the season: wishing a Merry Christmas to all. With this simple phrase, he acknowledges the vast range of ages represented in the holiday season, reaching from the very young to the very old with a shared message of warmth and love.

Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The sight and sound of chestnuts that are roasting on a fire that is open gives a feeling of warmth as the season is cold.

Jack Frost nipping at your nose
In winter, the feeling of biting snow is one that sticks with you. So when Jack Frost touches your nose with its cold, you feel it keenly.

Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The choir is singing hyms in celebration of the season of Yule, which fills the heart with joy.

And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
It is the fashion during this season to dress up in the style of the Eskimos to keep themselves warm.

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
The Christmas tradition is to have a turkey prepared and to hang mistletoe. This is common knowledge.

Help to make the season bright
By following this tradition, it adds so much to the festivity and enjoyment of the festivity.

Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children, with their eyes full of anticipation and excitement for the presents and surprises that await them in the morning, find it hard to take their eyes off the doorway.

Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
They will find it hard to sleep cause of excitement over what the night could bring.

They know that Santa's on his way
The children know that Santa is on his way to bring good cheer and happiness in the form of gifts and treats.

He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa has filled up his bag with every manner of toys and goods that the children could desire.

And every mother's child is gonna spy
Every child will be up, spying to see if they can catch a glimpse of their beloved Santa Claus.

To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
Even with the science of it all, it is still hard to believe for the child's imagination that Santa's reindeer can actually fly.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
Thus, in the spirit of the season, the singer offers just but a simple phrase.

To kids from one to ninety-two
A Christmas wish that is simple but encompassing of all ages.

Although it's been said many times, many ways
Even though the phrase is simple and may have seemed to have been used before, the meaning behind it is no less pure.

Merry Christmas to you!
So to all, the singer wishes a merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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