After a brief spell in the US Army, Vinton was signed to Epic Records in 1960 as a bandleader: "A Young Man With a Big Band." Two albums and several singles were not successful however, and with Epic ready to pull the plug, Vinton found his first hit single literally sitting in a reject pile. The song was titled "Roses Are Red (My Love)." It spent four weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Arguably, his most famous song is 1963's "Blue Velvet" that also went to No.1. 23 years later, David Lynch named his movie Blue Velvet after the song. In 1964, Vinton had two #1 hits, "There! I've Said It Again" and "Mr. Lonely", the latter now being the basis for Akon's hit "Lonely."
In the 1970s, the "Polish Prince" continued to hit the Top 40, notably with "Ev'ry Day of My Life" and "Sealed With a Kiss" in 1972. That same year, Epic Records decided to end its relationship with Vinton and ended his recording contract. Undeterred, Vinton spent $50,000 of his own money on a self-written song sung partially in Polish: "My Melody of Love." After Vinton was turned down by 7 major labels, ABC Records bought Vinton's idea, and the result was a multi-million selling single that hit #1 on the AC charts in 1974. A gold album, Melodies of Love, followed as well as a successful half-hour variety show "The Bobby Vinton Show" (which aired from 1975 to 1978). He also starred in two John Wayne movies: Big Jake and The Train Robbers.
In the course of his career, Vinton has sold over 75 million records (singles, albums, compilation inclusions, etc) and is still performing on tour and at the Bobby Vinton Blue Velvet Theatre in Branson, Missouri.
Christmas in Killarney
Bobby Vinton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The prettiest picture you've ever seen
Is Christmas in Killarney
With all of the folks at home
It's nice, you know, to kiss your beau
While cuddling under the mistletoe
And Santa Claus you know, of course
The door is always open
The neighbors pay a call
And Father John before he's gone
Will bless the house and all
How grand it feels to click your heels
And join in the fun of the jigs and reels
I'm handing you no blarney
The likes you've never known
Is Christmas in Killarney
With all of the folks at home
The lyrics to Bobby Vinton's song Christmas in Killarney are an ode to the warmth and joy of spending Christmas in the town of Killarney in Ireland, surrounded by loved ones and a strong sense of community. The first verse paints a picture of the lush greenery that characterizes the town, with holly and ivy creating a beautiful scene. The chorus celebrates the welcoming nature of the town and its residents, with homes open to visitors and Father John blessing all who enter. The final verse expresses the happiness that comes from joining in the traditional dancing and celebrating of the holiday, with an emphasis on the authenticity of the experience.
The song captures the essence of a traditional Irish Christmas, with a focus on family, warmth, and the rituals that make the holiday special. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time, when people gathered together to celebrate the season and create memories that would last a lifetime. For listeners who have experienced a Christmas in Killarney, the words will resonate with a special kind of meaning, while for those who have not, the song provides a window into a world of joy and community that is too often missing in today's society.
Overall, the lyrics of Christmas in Killarney evoke a sense of the joy and warmth that is at the heart of the holiday season, while also paying tribute to the traditions and customs that make it such a special time of year.
Line by Line Meaning
The holly green, the ivy green
The greenery of holly and ivy make for the most beautiful scenery.
The prettiest picture you've ever seen
This picturesque view will take your breath away.
Is Christmas in Killarney
This magical scene is that of a Christmas in Killarney.
With all of the folks at home
Everyone comes together for this special time with loved ones.
It's nice, you know, to kiss your beau
There's nothing quite like a romantic kiss under the mistletoe.
While cuddling under the mistletoe
It's a cozy moment to embrace one another under this symbol of love.
And Santa Claus you know, of course
Everyone knows Santa is actually one of the locals.
Is one of the boys from home
The man in the red suit is one of their own who spreads joy throughout the town.
The door is always open
Hospitality is a common theme in this town, as the doors are always open for guests.
The neighbors pay a call
One can expect a friendly visit from their neighbors during this special time.
And Father John before he's gone
Father John will bless the house and those within it before he departs.
Will bless the house and all
The local priest brings blessings upon the home and all who reside there.
How grand it feels to click your heels
It's a joyous feeling to join in the traditional dance known as the jig.
And join in the fun of the jigs and reels
One cannot help but be swept up in the energetic atmosphere of the traditional Irish dances.
I'm handing you no blarney
This isn't a tall tale, it's the real experience of Christmas in Killarney.
The likes you've never known
You won't find anything else like this heartwarming celebration anywhere else.
Is Christmas in Killarney
It's truly a one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found in Killarney during Christmas time.
With all of the folks at home
Everyone comes together to celebrate this special time in their hometown with their loved ones.
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Frank Weldon, James Cavanaugh, John Redmond
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
GoldShepherd927
This song and this album literally mean the beginning to Christmas for me. This is always the first album we listen to when setting up the Christmas decorations. Love it ❤😊
Kathleen Woolever
one of the best versions ever!!! having fun with this one baby!!!
Alida Buckner
We grew up with this Christmas album. Such blessed Christmas memories. Large family,much happiness, lots of love. I miss it every day.
Kathleen Woolever
I love this classic!!!!
Elena Moorhead
Thank you, I was searching a long time to find the song from my childhood and this is the one!!
Ed Moore
Not bad for a Polish Guy :-)