William Michael Albert Broad, known professionally as Billy Idol, is a Brit… Read Full Bio ↴William Michael Albert Broad, known professionally as Billy Idol, is a British singer, songwriter, musician and actor. He also holds United States citizenship. He first achieved fame in the 1970s emerging from the London punk rock scene as the lead singer of the group Generation X. Subsequently, he embarked on a solo career which led to international recognition and made Idol a lead artist during the MTV-driven "Second British Invasion" in the US. The name "Billy Idol" was inspired by a schoolteacher's description of him as "idle".

Idol began his music career in late 1976 as a guitarist in the punk rock band Chelsea. However, he soon left the group. With his former bandmate Tony James, Idol formed Generation X. With Idol as lead singer, the band achieved success in the United Kingdom and released three studio albums on Chrysalis Records, then disbanded. In 1981, Idol moved to New York City to pursue his solo career in collaboration with guitarist Steve Stevens. His debut studio album, Billy Idol (1982), was a commercial success. With music videos for singles "Dancing with Myself" and "White Wedding" Idol soon became a staple of then newly-established MTV.

Idol's second studio album, Rebel Yell (1983), was a major commercial success, featuring hit singles "Rebel Yell" and "Eyes Without a Face". The album was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipment of two million copies in the US. In 1986, he released Whiplash Smile. Having accumulated three UK top 10 singles ("Rebel Yell", "White Wedding" and "Mony Mony"), Idol released a 1988 greatest hits album titled Idol Songs: 11 of the Best; the album went platinum in the United Kingdom. Idol then released Charmed Life (1990) and the concept album Cyberpunk (1993).

Idol spent the second half of the 1990s focusing on his personal life out of the public eye. He made a musical comeback with the release of Devil's Playground (2005) and again with Kings & Queens of the Underground (2014).

Santa Claus Is Back in Town
Billy Idol Lyrics

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Well, it's Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling on the ground
Well, it's Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling down
Well you be a real good mama
Santa Claus is back in town

Got no sleigh with reindeer

No sack on my back
You'll see me comin' in a big black caddilac
Oh, it's Christmas time pretty baby

And the snow is falling on the ground
Well you be a real good baby
Santa Claus is back in town

Hang up your pretty stockings
Turn off the light
Santa Claus is comin' down your chimney tonight
Well, it's Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling on the ground

You be a real good baby
Santa Claus is back in town

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Billy Idol's song Santa Claus Is Back in Town carry a message of holiday cheer and anticipation of Santa Claus’s arrival. The opening two lines set the scene for the song: “Well, it’s Christmas time pretty baby / And the snow is falling on the ground.” The snowfall and festive atmosphere provide the backdrop for Santa’s return.

The lyrics then continue by encouraging the listener to be good: “Well, you be a real good mama / Santa Claus is back in town.” The use of the word “mama” suggests that the song’s intended audience is primarily a female listener. This line stresses the importance of being on one’s best behavior, as Santa will only bring gifts to those who are deserving.

Later in the song, we hear about Santa’s arrival: “You'll see me comin' in a big black caddilac / Oh, it's Christmas time pretty baby.” The mention of the big black Cadillac adds to the song’s lightheartedness, painting a playful image of Santa’s grand entrance. The song concludes with Santa’s imminent arrival: “Hang up your pretty stockings / Turn off the light / Santa Claus is comin' down your chimney tonight.” The excitement and anticipation of the holidays culminates in the arrival of Santa Claus himself.

Line by Line Meaning

Well, it's Christmas time pretty baby
It's the holiday season, my love

And the snow is falling on the ground
The weather is wintry, and it's a beautiful sight

Well, you be a real good mama
Behave well, my dear

Santa Claus is back in town
The jolly man in red is here

Got no sleigh with reindeer
I don't have the traditional mode of transportation

No sack on my back
I'm not carrying a bag full of gifts

You'll see me comin' in a big black caddilac
I'll arrive in style in my fancy car

Hang up your pretty stockings
Get your stockings ready

Turn off the light
Switch off the lights so I can surprise you

Santa Claus is comin' down your chimney tonight
I'll climb down the chimney to deliver your presents

You be a real good baby
Behave properly, my dear