The concept was originally created for a 1987 commercial on behalf of the California Raisin Advisory Board when one of the writers (Thomas Banks of the advertising firm Foote, Cone & Belding) came up with an idea for the new raisin commercial, saying "We have tried everything but dancing raisins singing 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine'" (the 1968 Marvin Gaye song). To their surprise, the commercial became wildly popular, spawning future commercials, two TV specials (Meet the Raisins in 1988 and Raisins: Sold Out! in 1990), four studio albums, and a Saturday morning cartoon series, aptly titled The California Raisin Show. The Raisins also appeared in A Claymation Christmas Celebration in 1987, singing the classic Christmas carol, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer". The Raisins ultimately gained individual names: A.C., Beebop (drums), Stretch (bass), and Red (piano).
The California Raisins are normally Claymation designed by the Emmy-Award winning studio of Will Vinton, but their cartoon series was cel animated. The artist responsible for the original design was Michael Brunsfeld.
The California Raisins reportedly grossed more in the year that was their heyday, 1988, than Californian farmers made selling raisins. This included a wide variety of merchandising, from toys to Raisins images on every conceivable medium: lunch boxes, notebooks, clothing, posters, etc. A California Raisins music album was also released, featuring classic Motown and rock 'n' roll standards. But perhaps one of the most memorable pieces of merchandise came in the form of small, non-poseable California Raisins figures. The Hardee's restaurant chain offered these as part of a promotion for their cinnamon raisin biscuits. Different collections were produced in 1987, 1988, 1991, and finally in 2001 for their new stylization. This latest incarnation can still be seen on the California Raisin Marketing Board website.[1]
In the early 1990s, Capcom produced a video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System titled California Raisins: The Grape Escape, where the player controlled a California Raisin through five side-scrolling levels battling various evil fruit and vegetable characters that had stolen the Raisins' music. The game was finished, and several video game critics reviewed it, but it was never released on the open market.
There is another band (now defunct) known as California Raisins, hailing from Columbia, Missouri. Punk-adelic is oft used to describe their sound.
Jingle Bell Rock
California Raisins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square
What a bright time, it's the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh
Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a-mingle in the jingling feet
That's the jingle bell,
That's the jingle bell,
That's the jingle bell rock
The lyrics to California Raisins’ Jingle Bell Rock describes the joy and excitement experienced during the holiday season. The first verse describes the sounds of jingle bells, emphasizing the festive atmosphere created by them. The playful lyrics then go on to describe the fun activities that can be enjoyed during wintertime, such as snowball fights and other outdoor activities. The chorus highlights the start of the holiday season, symbolized by the jingle hop, and how the jingle bells are the perfect accompaniment to it.
The second verse emphasizes the happiness that comes with the holiday season, and how it’s the perfect time to let loose and enjoy oneself, describing it as “the right time to rock the night away.” The lyrics use the imagery of sleigh rides and horses to further emphasize the winter theme, and how they form a part of the holiday experience. The lyrics in the final verse suggest that the Jingle Bell Square is a place where everyone can come together to celebrate, and dance to the sounds of the jingle bells.
Line by Line Meaning
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Let's sing the classic holiday jingle and get into the festive spirit!
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
The sound of jingling bells fills the air and makes everyone happy.
Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun
The snow and wind create a playful atmosphere filled with joy and laughter.
Now the jingle hop has begun
It's time to dance and have fun with the jingle hop, a lively holiday tradition.
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
The bells chime in perfect rhythm with the holiday, creating a beautiful sound.
Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square
Everyone is having a great time dancing and enjoying each other's company in the festively decorated square.
In the frosty air.
The cold winter air adds to the joyous atmosphere, making the holiday season more special.
What a bright time, it's the right time
This is the perfect time to celebrate and have a great time with loved ones.
To rock the night away
Let's dance and have fun all night long!
Jingle bell time is a swell time
The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy the sweet sound of jingling bells and spread cheer.
To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh
It's a great time to enjoy a peaceful sleigh ride with friends or loved ones.
Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Let's get moving and enjoy the ride with our jingle horse!
Jingle around the clock
We'll be having so much fun that we won't even notice the time passing.
Mix and a-mingle in the jingling feet
Let us dance along with the jingling sound and have a great time together.
That's the jingle bell,
That's the sound that brings joy and cheer to everyone during the holiday season.
That's the jingle bell,
That's the sound that fills us all with happiness and warm memories.
That's the jingle bell rock
Together, we'll create unforgettable memories and keep the festive spirit alive with the jingle bell rock!
Contributed by James O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.