Born in Hope Valley, Rhode Island, with his parents Mr. & Mrs. William Gilman Jr., Gilman first received notice as a performer at age seven, attracting the attention of a local vocal coach, Angela Bacari, who later became his manager. Eventually he met with Ray Benson (of Asleep at the Wheel) who helped him record demos, including "Roly Poly". Two months later he was signed by Sony Music Nashville.
His 2000 debut album, One Voice, had a very widely-played single that crossed over well into top 40 airplay. The album reached multi-platinum status, and earned a Grammy nomination. Generally touted as a child prodigy, Gilman appeared on various talk shows. Classic Christmas (which was certified gold) was released later in the year.
He released Dare to Dream (certified gold) on Sony BMG Music Entertainment/Epic Records in 2001, and in 2003 released Music Through Heartsongs, an album inspired by the poetry of Mattie Stepanek. Later in 2003, he performed at a benefit for The Station nightclub fire. In May 2005, he released Everything and More, his first album since his voice changed.
Billy's latest album, self-titled, was released in September 2006 on the Image Entertainment label. The first single off the upcoming album, Southern Star, heralds a return to his country music roots. Billy is scheduled to begin working on his next album with Eddie Galan and Andrew Lane of Trilogy Productions.
The Christmas Song
Billy Gilman 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.
In Billy Gilman's "The Christmas Song," he beautifully describes the essence of Christmas. The song starts by describing the traditional practice of roasting chestnuts on an open fire, where the sound of the crackling chestnuts adds to the festive environment. The mention of 'Jack frost' nipping at your nose portrays the winter season, where the temperature drops and snow begins to fall. The verse then continues to describe the ambiance with 'Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir' and 'folks dressed up like Eskimos,' which further adds to the festive cheer.
During the chorus, the song feels like an invitation to everyone to come together and celebrate with the help of a turkey, mistletoe, and everything else that makes the season bright. The excitement of Christmas is also evident in the tiny tots whose eyes all aglow and their anticipation of Santa's arrival. The lyrics then perfectly describe the excitement and rush of Santa's arrival, who is loaded with toys and goodies in his sleigh.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The comforting warmth of a fire brings Christmas cheer and the aroma of roasted chestnuts evokes happy memories.
Jack frost nipping at your nose
The winter chill is felt by all, marking the season's arrival and creating a sense of festivity.
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The ritual of coming together as a community to sing festive carols brings about joy and spreads Christmas cheer.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Winter wear like thick jackets and hats, inspired by the tradition of Eskimos, make the season a unique and unforgettable experience.
Everybody knows a turkey
A turkey is an essential part of Christmas feasts, a tradition that has been followed for years.
And some mistletoe
A symbol of love and affection, hanging mistletoe adds to the romantic atmosphere of the season.
Help to make the season bright
The combination of food, decorations, and festivities, brighten up the season and create an atmosphere of warmth and joy.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children's enchantment towards Christmas creates a magical atmosphere for everyone, and the excitement of the season is infectious.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
The anticipation of Christmas morning makes it challenging for children to sleep, but it also creates a feeling of excitement that is unique to this time of year.
They know that Santa's on his way
The beloved fictional character of Santa Claus visiting children with his bag of toys is a vital part of the Christmas experience that brings joy to all.
He's loaded lots of toys
Santa carries an unimaginable amount of presents to deliver, effortlessly spreading joy to children worldwide.
And goodies on his sleigh
The goodies Santa carries not only make children happy but are also a reminder of the indulgence and luxury the season brings.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Children are excitedly waiting for Santa's arrival and cannot resist staying awake, hoping to catch a glimpse of him and his reindeer.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
The fantastical ability of Santa's reindeer to fly is something that captures the imagination of all children, making Christmas a magical time of year.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
As a simple gesture of goodwill, the phrase represents the spirit of Christmas and brings everyone together, regardless of age or background.
To kids from one to ninety-two
The song's message is for everyone, transcending generations and bringing the spirit of Christmas to all.
Although it's been said
The sentiment of the phrase has been said and heard many times before, but it never loses its significance in bringing joy and warmth during the festive season.
Many times, many ways
The message, although simple, is expressed in many different ways, yet it still captures the essence of the season and creates a feeling of goodwill for all.
Merry Christmas to you.
The phrase is a heartfelt greeting to all, expressing warm wishes, happiness and cheer on this joyous occasion. It represents the spirit of the season and embodies the true meaning of Christmas.
Lyrics © Ceylon Records, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind