At The Mistletoe
Brendan Ryan Lyrics
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Inside my head for weeks
And everybody here's singing
While I'm having trouble trying to speak
Cause
Since you walked in, I've been a wobbly ol' soul
Pacing back and forth near the egg nog bowl
I'm trying
Not to be a cliche but I think I got to say that
All I want for Christmas is you
And I try to get by, find the courage inside
As I see that standing there in my view
At the mistletoe
At the mistletoe
At the mistletoe
At the mistletoe
And everyone here's in spirits
They got no worries. Holiday can't be better
I'm a mess. You can hear it
Cause the pressure's something ugly like a Christmas sweater
And normally, I'd stay cool
Hit you up and say hey
But something bout that leaf hanging in the doorway
I'm sorry
The holly's got me holding back. Holding back and
I'll wake up the same way until Christmas day
A Grinch-looking kind of a Scrooge
If I just take this flight, yell "To all a good night"
I can't afford to lose you
At the mistletoe
At the mistletoe
At the mistletoe
At the mistletoe
Don't know how strict the rules are when it comes to mistletoe
But I would love to walk on over, and well, we'll see how it goes
Oh, what I wouldn't give to hear something from you
So I could walk away and loudly say wow, "She thinks I'm cute"
At the mistletoe
At the mistletoe
At the mistletoe
At the mistletoe
What I wouldn't give
What I wouldn't give
At the mistletoe
Yeah, say you and me
At the mistletoe
In "At The Mistletoe," Brendan Ryan captures the youthful excitement and anxiety of romantic feelings set against a festive backdrop. The song begins with the enchanting imagery of "Jingle Bells" ringing in the singer's head, creating an atmosphere of holiday cheer that contrasts sharply with his internal turmoil. While those around him are singing and enjoying the holiday festivities, he feels out of place, struggling to articulate the emotions that have taken hold since the arrival of someone special. The imagery of pacing near the eggnog bowl symbolizes his nervous energy and the pressure he feels to make a meaningful connection, particularly as the festive season presents him with the unique opportunity for romantic engagement.
As the narrative unfolds, the singer confronts his feelings in a heartfelt admission: all he wants for Christmas is the person he admires. His efforts to muster up the courage to approach them are thwarted by the holiday atmosphere, which seems to heighten his self-awareness and emotional vulnerability. The repetition of "At the mistletoe" serves as a yearning refrain that emphasizes the longing and hope tied to that delicate moment when a romantic encounter might take place. It's a classic love story set against the backdrop of the season, reflecting how holiday traditions can amplify personal desires and insecurities.
The contrasting emotions of joy and anxiety are further illustrated when Ryan juxtaposes the carefree merriment of the gathering with his own sense of disarray. While everyone else seems to be encapsulated in the holiday spirit without a care in the world, the singer feels like a “mess,” indicating that he is deeply affected by the situation rather than completely swept up in the festivities. The mention of the "ugly like a Christmas sweater" pressure conveys a sense of suffocation, revealing his struggle with feeling like a Grinch or Scrooge, thereby emphasizing how love can be both exhilarating and intimidating. This tension highlights the paradox of the holidays—where joy and pressure intermingle, creating a complex emotional experience.
Ultimately, the singer grapples with the uncertainty of romantic advances, especially under the mistletoe, which is traditionally associated with love and attraction. His contemplation emphasizes that while he longs to approach the person he admires, the rules of mistletoe and social expectations complicate his intentions. There's a desire for reassurance; he yearns to hear something affirming from the person he has feelings for, so he can confidently take a step forward. The repeated plea of "What I wouldn't give" encapsulates the intensity of his feelings while illustrating the stakes involved in pursuing love amidst the holiday excitement. The song concludes with a hopeful longing, emphasizing how love can be both a source of joy and an overwhelming challenge, encapsulated beautifully in the ambiance of the mistletoe.
Line by Line Meaning
Jingle Bells have been ringing
The familiar sounds of Christmas music have been echoing in my mind constantly.
Inside my head for weeks
This festive feeling has consumed my thoughts for an extended period.
And everybody here's singing
Those around me are joyfully participating in the holiday spirit.
While I'm having trouble trying to speak
Despite the merriment, I'm struggling to express myself.
Cause
The reason for my difficulty becomes clear.
Since you walked in, I've been a wobbly ol' soul
Ever since your arrival, I've felt unsteady and anxious.
Pacing back and forth near the egg nog bowl
I find myself nervously wandering close to the festive drinks as a way to cope.
I'm trying
I'm making an effort to manage my feelings.
To how this can work
I'm contemplating how to navigate this situation successfully.
Not to be a cliche but I think I got to say that
Although it may sound typical, I feel compelled to express my feelings.
All I want for Christmas is you
My deepest wish during this festive season is to be with you.
And I try to get by, find the courage inside
I'm attempting to push through this situation and summon inner strength.
As I see that standing there in my view
I can't help but notice your presence right in front of me.
At the mistletoe
In this significant spot associated with romance during the holidays.
At the mistletoe
In this cherished festive location.
At the mistletoe
Positioned under the symbolic plant that encourages affection.
At the mistletoe
This place holds the potential for meaningful connection.
And everyone here's in spirits
The atmosphere is filled with joy and celebratory energy.
They got no worries. Holiday can't be better
Others seem carefree, reveling in the ultimate joy of the season.
I'm a mess. You can hear it
Unlike others, I'm visibly unsettled and it’s evident to those around me.
Cause the pressure's something ugly like a Christmas sweater
The stress I feel is overwhelming and uncomfortable, much like an ill-fitting holiday garment.
And normally, I'd stay cool
Typically, I would handle situations with calmness.
Hit you up and say hey
I would usually initiate a casual conversation with you.
But something bout that leaf hanging in the doorway
However, the presence of mistletoe above creates an unspoken expectation.
I'm sorry
I feel the need to apologize for my awkwardness.
The holly's got me holding back. Holding back and
The symbolism of the mistletoe makes me hesitant to act on my feelings.
I'll wake up the same way until Christmas day
I know I will feel this way until the holiday arrives.
A Grinch-looking kind of a Scrooge
I compare my mood to that of a character who is disdainful of festive cheer.
If I just take this flight, yell 'To all a good night'
If I choose to avoid this situation, I will simply wish everyone well and leave.
I can't afford to lose you
The fear of losing you is too great for me to ignore my feelings.
At the mistletoe
In this crucial spot, where emotions seem to intensify.
At the mistletoe
Under this festive symbol of love and connection.
At the mistletoe
In this shared moment filled with potential.
At the mistletoe
A place that holds the promise of romantic possibilities.
Don't know how strict the rules are when it comes to mistletoe
I'm uncertain about the social customs surrounding this tradition.
But I would love to walk on over, and well, we'll see how it goes
I would really like to approach you to see how you might respond.
Oh, what I wouldn't give to hear something from you
I deeply long for some kind of communication or affirmation from you.
So I could walk away and loudly say wow, 'She thinks I'm cute'
It would bring me immense joy to believe that you find me attractive.
At the mistletoe
Once again, in this pivotal space filled with romantic tension.
At the mistletoe
Back under the expectant plant facilitating potential affection.
At the mistletoe
Positioned under the iconic symbol of holiday romance.
At the mistletoe
In this location rife with emotional significance.
What I wouldn't give
I would sacrifice so much for the chance to express my feelings.
What I wouldn't give
The desire I feel is tremendous when it comes to this possibility.
At the mistletoe
Underneath this symbol of love, where everything could change.
Yeah, say you and me
I hope we could share a moment, solidifying our potential connection.
At the mistletoe
In this cherished spot, where the spirit of the season comes alive.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Brendan Ryan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind