At the age of 17, she recorded a duet with her father Rufus Thomas, "Because I Love You", which became a Southern hit and gave the Satellite label (later Stax Records) its first real success.
In 1961 she rose to national prominence with "Gee Whiz (Look in His Eyes)", which reached the Top Ten in both the R&B and Pop categories, becoming the first Memphis soul record to have an impact nationwide and ensuring the success of the Stax Records label.
In the next ten years, she had 22 singles on the national charts, including "I'll Bring It on Home to You" (an answer to Sam Cooke's "Bring It on Home to Me"), "Let Me Be Good to You", and Isaac Hayes' "B-A-B-Y".
She is well-known for her duets with Otis Redding, from the album King & Queen, including the recordings of the Lowell Fulson composition "Tramp" and the Steve Cropper/Eddie Floyd song "Knock on Wood".
In 1993 Carla Thomas received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.
Gee Whiz It's Christmas
Carla Thomas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gee, it's so good to talk to you again
It's been a long, long time
Can't explain why you crossed my mind
I guess it's just to wish you a merry Christmas
My best friend's having a party
And everybody's going
It's snowing
It's been a long long time
Can't explain why you crossed my mind
I guess it's just to say gee whiz it's Christmas
It's funny that I haven't thought to call you before
And why is it I haven't seen you around anymore
Another year has passed and I can't erase
The memory of your smiling face
So I have to call you up and say
Gee whiz it's Christmas
So don't forget the party that we're throwing
The warm fires of the fireplace
Will be glowing
It's been a long long time
I still can't figure out why you crossed my mind
I guess it's just to say gee whiz it's Christmas
I'm wishing you a merry, have a merry merry Christmas
Gee whiz have a merry, merry, merry
The song “Gee Whiz” by Carla Thomas is a classic Christmas tune that speaks to the joy and nostalgia of the holiday season. The lyrics begin with a happy greeting and express the singer’s pleasure in speaking to an old friend once again. She acknowledges that it’s been a long time and can’t explain why this person has crossed her mind all of a sudden. The song is filled with an air of longing and nostalgia as she wistfully reminisces about the past and wishes that they could be together to celebrate the holiday season.
The second verse speaks about a party that her best friend is throwing, and she knows everybody is going to have a lot of fun. She expresses excitement about the snow falling outside, which is a classic hallmark of the holiday season. The verse ends with her once again expressing her confusion about why she can’t forget this person who has crossed her mind, and she attributes it to the holiday spirit, saying “Gee Whiz it’s Christmas.”
The final verse of the song is a moving testament to the power of memories and how they can hold so much emotional value, even after many years. She notes that it’s been another year, and she still can’t erase the image of her friend’s smile from her mind. The song ends with her wishing her friend a very merry Christmas, and making plans to celebrate the holiday season with each other. Overall, the song is a heartwarming tribute to the power of friendship and the joy of the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello there, merry Christmas how you been
I'm greeting you and asking how have you been this Christmas season
Gee, it's so good to talk to you again
I'm expressing how happy and wonderful it is to talk to you again
It's been a long, long time
It has been a considerable amount of time since we had talked
Can't explain why you crossed my mind
I honestly don't know why you popped up in my thoughts
I guess it's just to wish you a merry Christmas
I suppose it's because of the holiday season and I wanted to wish you a merry Christmas
My best friend's having a party
My closest friend is hosting a party
And everybody's going
Everyone else is going to attend the party too
I know it's gonna be a lot of fun, oh by the way
I'm certain it's going to be a great time, I wanted to mention on a side note
It's snowing
It's currently snowing
It's funny that I haven't thought to call you before
It's strange that I haven't called or talked to you earlier
And why is it I haven't seen you around anymore
I'm wondering why I haven't seen you frequently like before
Another year has passed and I can't erase
A year went by, and I cannot forget
The memory of your smiling face
I still have fond memories of your smiling face
So I have to call you up and say
Therefore, I have to call you to tell you
Gee whiz it's Christmas
It's unbelievable how it's already Christmas
So don't forget the party that we're throwing
Remember to come to the party we're having
The warm fires of the fireplace
The inviting heat from the fireplace
Will be glowing
Will be shining brightly
I still can't figure out why you crossed my mind
Even now, I don't quite understand why I thought of you
I guess it's just to say gee whiz it's Christmas
I suppose it's only to remark how incredible it is that it's the holiday season
I'm wishing you a merry, have a merry merry Christmas
I'm wishing that you have a happy and joyful Christmas
Gee whiz have a merry, merry, merry
Again, it's astounding how it's Christmas. Have a happy and merry Christmas
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Carla Venita Thomas, Stephen Lee Cropper, Vincent Trauth
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@scherafindlatter4353
🇯🇲 this song sets the vibes for Christmas in Jamaica...Gee whiz...a yah so nice ❤❤❤🎄 Amazing classic since I was a little girl. Love it!
@tashoyrobinson4327
Nuh true! This brings me way back.
@marlons5838
Dat is it mama! Merry Christmas Everyone
@kimberlylew6676
Oh my you took the words right outta mi mouth😸
Have a wonderful Christmas 🎉🎉🌲🌲💖🇯🇲
@kimberlylew6676
@@marlons5838thanks and same to you too 🎉🌲💖
@Mistar_Jones
I feel that vibe, apart from the "it's snowing" lyric maybe, I don't Imagine that happens often in Jamaica.
@debramcbooth-parrish6585
Of course it's Christmas and I'm 68 years old. I gotta hear this song over and over every Christmas. Will forever be a favorite one.
@gregnormal5101
Hello! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day. Stay Safe
@alfredtorres5048
Always play this song because I am sentimental!!
@carolineellison8078
70:s I luv it