A Holly Jolly Christmas
Burl Ives & The Weavers Lyrics

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Have a holly, jolly Christmas
It's the best time of the year
I don't know if there'll be snow
But have a cup of cheer
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet

Oh, ho the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And in case you didn't hear
Oh by golly have a holly jolly Christmas
This year

(Have a holly, jolly Christmas)
(It's the best time of the year)

Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
Oh, ho the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And in case you didn't hear

Oh by golly have a holly jolly Christmas
This year

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Burl Ives & The Weavers's song A Holly Jolly Christmas evoke a sense of joy and community during the holiday season. The song begins by encouraging listeners to have a holly, jolly Christmas, which is referred to as the best time of the year. The singer acknowledges that there may not be snow, but suggests that everyone should have a cup of cheer, which could refer to any kind of warm holiday beverage or more generally, to an attitude of positivity and good spirits.

The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Have a holly, jolly Christmas," and encourages individuals to greet the people they know and even those they don't on the streets. The inclusion of mistletoe, a traditional symbol of love and affection during the holiday season, suggests that there may be someone special waiting for the listener, and they should be sure to kiss them once for the singer.

Line by Line Meaning

Have a holly, jolly Christmas
Enjoy a festive and cheerful Christmas celebration

It's the best time of the year
This is the most wonderful and enjoyable time of the year

I don't know if there'll be snow
I am uncertain if it will snow during the holiday season

But have a cup of cheer
Nevertheless, have some drinks and feel merry

And when you walk down the street
While you stroll along the streets

Say hello to friends you know
Greet your acquaintances and buddies

And everyone you meet
As well as unknown people you come across

Oh, ho the mistletoe
The decoration of mistletoe, oh my!

Hung where you can see
Placed where you can easily spot it

Somebody waits for you
Someone wants to kiss you

Kiss her once for me
Please give her a kiss from me, as well