The band was originally formed in 1989 by leader Scott Morris. He and Kurt Sodergren are the two "original" members, with the rest of the band joining later on. The band concentrated on the swing of the 1940s and '50s, playing clubs and lounges in their early years.
The band launched two CDs, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Watchu' Want for Christmas? under their own label (Big Bad Records) before getting their big break when their songs "You & Me & The Bottle Makes Three Tonight (Baby)" and "Go Daddy-O" were featured in the 1996 comedy Swingers.
From there they were signed by Capitol Records. With Capitol the band released Americana Deluxe (also known as a second Big Bad Voodoo Daddy) and This Beautiful Life. The band has continued their tours, performances and album releases Save My Soul, Live, and Everything You Want For Christmas, with one high point being their appearance at the 1999 Super Bowl half-time show.
Over the last few years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has experienced great success playing on the Pops programs of American Symphony Orchestras and regular US tours.
Most recently, BBVD released a tribute album titled How Big Can You Get?: The Music of Cab Calloway. As part of the live concerts promoting this recent album, the band continues to perform new material, including the track "5-10-15 Times I Love You" which frontman Scotty Morris says will be recorded as part of a new album in early 2011.
Band Members:
* Scott Morris "Scotty" (vocals and guitar) - core member
* Kurt Sodergren (drums and percussion) - core member
* Dirk Shumaker (string bass) - core member
* Andrew Rowley "Andy" (baritone saxophone) - core member
* Glen Marehevka "The Kid" (trumpet) - core member
* Karl Hunter (saxophone and clarinet) - core member
* Joshua Levy "Josh" (piano) - core member
* Tony Bonsera (lead trumpet)
* Alex Henderson (trombone) (also part of The Brian Setzer Orchestra)
** Ron Blake (former lead trumpet) left Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to go on tour with Green Day.
Is Zat You Santa Claus?
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For some Christmas sharin'
But I pause because
Hangin' my stockin
I can hear a knockin'
'Zat You , Santa Claus?
Sure is dark out
On my clackin' jaws
Who's there, who is it
Stoppin' for a visit?
'Zat You, Santa Claus?
Are you bringin' a present for me?
Something pleasantly pleasant for me?
And it's just what I've been waiting for
Would you mind slippin' it under the door?
Cold winds are howlin'
Or could that be growlin'?
My legs feel like straws
My, my, oh me, my
Kindly will you reply
Is 'Zat You, Santa Claus?
Hangin' the stockin'
I can hear a knockin'
Is 'Zat You, Santa Claus?
Who's there, who is it
Stoppin' for a visit?
Is 'Zat You, Santa Claus?
Whoa there, Santa, you gave me a scare
Stop teasin', cuz I know you there
We don't believe in no goblins today
But I can't explain why I'm shakin' this way
Now I can see ol' Santa through the keyhole
I'll get to the cause
One peak and I'll try there
Uh, oh there's an eye there!
'Zat You, Santa Claus?
Please, please, I'm bendin' my knees
Is 'Zat You, Santa Claus?
The lyrics to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's song "Is Zat You Santa Claus?" showcase a playful and curious tone as the singer wonders whether the knocking on their door is Santa Claus preparing to deliver presents. The song's intro describes the singer preparing for Christmas, but they pause, hearing knocking and wondering if it's Santa. The second verse describes how dark it is outside, with no light but the knocking they hear. The singer grows more anxious, asking about the identity of the visitor and whether they are bringing a present. The third verse continues their speculation, as they wonder if the sounds they hear are the cold winds howling or if it's Santa growling. They continue to ask the visitor to identify themselves, wondering if it's really Santa Claus and growing more anxious with each knock. The song ends with the singer being comforted by the sight of Santa through the keyhole, with one final plea for him to identify himself.
The lyrics of "Is Zat You Santa Claus?" are intended to be playful and fun. While the song is technically a Christmas tune, it takes an unexpected approach, picturing the holiday as a time of mystery and excitement. The song has been covered by a number of artists, including Louis Armstrong, who recorded the song in the late 1940s. Its upbeat melody and playful lyrics continue to make it a popular holiday tune.
Line by Line Meaning
If's I'm preparin'
As I am preparing
For some Christmas sharin'
To share in the Christmas spirit with others
But I pause because
However, I stop because
Hangin' my stockin
As I hang my stocking
I can hear a knockin'
I hear a knocking sound
'Zat You , Santa Claus?
Could that be you, Santa Claus?
Sure is dark out
It is very dark outside
Ain't the slightest spark out
There is not even a small light source
On my clackin' jaws
My jaws are clattering due to the cold
Who's there, who is it
Who is knocking
Stoppin' for a visit?
Are you stopping by for a visit?
'Zat You, Santa Claus?
Is that you, Santa Claus?
Are you bringin' a present for me?
Do you have a gift for me?
Something pleasantly pleasant for me?
Something that I will enjoy and appreciate?
And it's just what I've been waiting for
If it is something that I have been eagerly anticipating
Would you mind slippin' it under the door?
Could you quietly leave it outside my door?
Cold winds are howlin'
The cold winds are making a loud noise
Or could that be growlin'?
Or maybe it is a growling sound?
My legs feel like straws
My legs feel weak and shaky like straws
My, my, oh me, my
My goodness, this is concerning
Kindly will you reply
Please respond politely
Is 'Zat You, Santa Claus?
Are you Santa Claus?
Whoa there, Santa, you gave me a scare
You startled me, Santa
Stop teasin', cuz I know you there
Don't tease me, because I know that you are there
We don't believe in no goblins today
We do not believe in any goblins today
But I can't explain why I'm shakin' this way
Although I cannot explain why I am shaking nervously
Now I can see ol' Santa through the keyhole
Now I can see Santa through the keyhole
I'll get to the cause
I will find out what is causing this disturbance
One peak and I'll try there
I will take a quick look and try to investigate
Uh, oh there's an eye there!
Oh no, I can see an eye looking back at me!
'Zat You, Santa Claus?
Is that you, Santa Claus?
Please, please, I'm bendin' my knees
Please, I am begging you and bending down on my knees
Is 'Zat You, Santa Claus?
Is that really you, Santa Claus?
Contributed by Eli S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
C M
I look forward to this song every Christmas 🎄🎅
Patrick Spragoo
this kind of music style is a lost art these days. This Kind of Music Style needs to make a return. this is an example of why I love the old days of america, where Big Band and Jazz was the hottest trends of music as well as snazzy suits, old-styled gangsters and police chases. old 1940's vibe coming from this modern cover.
Patrick Spragoo
@Lilith Smith fair point.
Lilith Smith
Dear Patrick , you forgot the glamour of the women in 1940.
Jake Makanui
If you love big band music check out Denny Farrell big band showcases every week. It’s all big band music from the 30’s 40’s 50’s . He even takes requests
Ann Lazar
Love this, it caught my attention and I love it! Done very well.
Akward Person
It sounds like the song that the Boogie Man sings in the Nightmare Before Christmas, that's what it reminds me of
Emy Hall
Christmas time, ‘it’s the season for this album
Cool Person!
Just imagine how big people's lung capacitys need to be to play this song. I don't have a very strong lung capacity. But that doesn't matter cuz I play percussion!
fushi
I listen to this year around all the time