Bette Midler (December 1, 1945) is an American singer, actress, and comedia… Read Full Bio ↴Bette Midler (December 1, 1945) is an American singer, actress, and comedian, also known to her fans and especially in gay culture, as The Divine Miss M. She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Jewish parents from New Jersey, and raised there. Midler relocated to New York City to pursue acting on stage, and in 1970 she began singing at the Continental Baths, a gay bathhouse in the city, where she became close to her piano accompanist, Barry Manilow, who produced her first major album, The Divine Miss M in 1973. She is named after the actress Bette Davis although Davis pronounced her name in two syllables, and Midler uses one.

During her career, she has won four Grammy Awards, four Golden Globes, three Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award, and has been nominated for two Academy Awards. She performed a new concert show, The Showgirl Must Go On, live five nights a week at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in 2011 (together with Cher and Elton John).

Merry Christmas
Bette Midler Lyrics

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Merry Christmas
Have a very, very Merry Christmas
Dream about your heart's desire
Christmas Eve when you retire

Santa Claus will stop
And I know he'll drop
Exactly what you wanted

From your chimney top

So be jolly, have a holiday as gay as holly
May the ones you love be near you
With the laugh of friends to cheer you

When the church bells ring
Like the angels sing
And you hear the joyful hymn they chime

Hang a wish from me on your Christmas tree
For a very Merry Christmas time

Merry Christmas
Have a very, very Merry Christmas
Dream about your heart's desire
Christmas Eve when you retire

Santa Claus will stop
And I know he'll drop
Exactly what you wanted
From your chimney top

So be jolly, have a holiday as gay as holly
May the ones you love be near you
With the laugh of friends to cheer you

When the church bells ring
Like the angels sing
And you hear the joyful hymn they chime

Hang a wish from me on your Christmas tree
For a very Merry Christmas time

Overall Meaning

The song "Merry Christmas" by Bette Midler is a cheerful, upbeat tune that celebrates the magic and joy of Christmastime. The lyrics encourage listeners to have a heart full of hope and excitement for the holiday season, and to enjoy the love of family and friends. The opening lines, "Have a very, very Merry Christmas, Dream about your heart's desire" set the stage for a festive, joyous celebration.

The second verse of the song speaks directly to the myth of Santa Claus, with the lyrics "Santa Claus will stop, And I know he'll drop, Exactly what you wanted, From your chimney top." This adds a feeling of childlike wonder and excitement to the piece, reminding us of the magic of believing in something fantastical.

The final verse encourages listeners to focus on the happy moments of the season, such as the ringing of church bells and the laughter of friends. The lines "May the ones you love be near you, With the laugh of friends to cheer you" demonstrate the importance of love and companionship during this special time of the year.

Overall, "Merry Christmas" is a song that encourages listeners to embrace the spirit of the holiday season and to focus on the joy and love that surrounds them.

Line by Line Meaning

Merry Christmas
Wishing you a happy and joyful Christmas

Have a very, very Merry Christmas
I hope your Christmas is full of love and laughter

Dream about your heart's desire
Think about the things that make you happiest

Christmas Eve when you retire
The night of Christmas Eve when you go to bed

Santa Claus will stop
Santa Claus will visit your house

And I know he'll drop
I am certain that he will leave

Exactly what you wanted
The exact gift that you wished for

From your chimney top
He will come down the chimney to deliver your gift

So be jolly, have a holiday as gay as holly
Be very happy and enjoy the festive season

May the ones you love be near you
I hope your loved ones are with you

With the laugh of friends to cheer you
May your friends make you laugh and feel happy

When the church bells ring
At the time when the church bells chime

Like the angels sing
As if angels are singing

And you hear the joyful hymn they chime
And you listen to the happy song they play

Hang a wish from me on your Christmas tree
Put a wish from me on your Christmas tree

For a very Merry Christmas time
To have a happy and joyous Christmas

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FRED SPIELMAN, JANICE TORRE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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