Byrd primarily looked up to Django Reinhardt. He moved to Washington, D.C., to study classical guitar with the renowned Sophocles Papas. He later moved to Italy where he studied with Andrés Segovia. In the early 1960's he was on a State Department tour in South America where he was introduced to a new music, the bossa nova, which was the musical passion of Brazil beginning in the late 50's. Jazz saxophonist Stan Getz had been in Brazil about six months earlier than Byrd, also on a State Department tour, where he, too, was exposed to the bossa nova. A short time later Getz called Byrd in D.C. and suggested the idea that they collaborate on a bossa nova album. That album was the introduction of bossa nova to North America.
He is perhaps most well known as a collaborator with Stan Getz on the Jazz Samba album, which featured many themes of bossa nova, and of course, samba.
Christmas Song
Charlie Byrd Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you!
The song "Christmas Song" by Charlie Byrd captures the essence of the holiday season, describing various nostalgic traditions that bring warmth and joy during this time of year. The opening stanza portrays a cozy winter evening with chestnuts roasting and Jack Frost nipping at your nose. The mention of yuletide carols being sung by a choir and people dressed up like Eskimos creates a festive atmosphere, emphasizing how the holiday is observed all around the world.
The second stanza of the song speaks to common holiday traditions like having a turkey dinner and hanging mistletoe, which always adds a touch of romance to Christmas Eve. The verse goes on to describe children, whose eyes twinkle with excitement in anticipation for Christmas morning. They eagerly await Santa Claus, who will bring them toys and treats on his sleigh.
The final stanza perfectly captures the message of the song, offering a simple and universal message of goodwill to all ages. Charlie Byrd concludes the song by offering the quintessential Christmas greeting of "Merry Christmas to you!" The song communicates the timeless significance of Christmas as a time for love, sharing, generosity, and joy.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The image of chestnuts roasting on an open fire sets the cozy and warm atmosphere of Christmas.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Cold winter weather is a hallmark of the Christmas season, and this line emphasizes the chilliness of the time of year.
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The sound of Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir adds to the celebratory and joyful spirit of Christmas.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People will go out of their way dressing up like Eskimos, emphasizing the lengths that people go to celebrate this holiday.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
It is common knowledge that traditional Christmas items like turkey and mistletoe contribute to making the holiday brighter.
Help to make the season bright
These festive items bring people together and spread cheer, making the holiday season brighter and happier.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
The sight of young children filled with the wonder and excitement of the holiday season is heartwarming and adds to the magic of Christmas.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
Children's excitement for Santa Claus and the presents he will bring can make it difficult for them to sleep on Christmas Eve.
They know that Santa's on his way
Children eagerly anticipate Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve, a key aspect of the holiday for young kids.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa Claus brings toys and presents to children around the world, making him an iconic figure of Christmas.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Children are so excited about Santa's visit that they will spy and try to catch him delivering presents.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
Children are so full of wonder and excitement that they may even question how Santa's reindeer are able to fly, adding to the magic and mystery of the holiday.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
The singer is offering a simple, but heartfelt phrase to all those celebrating the holiday this year.
To kids from one to ninety-two
This message is for everyone, young and old, who celebrates Christmas.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
This message may have been expressed in different ways throughout time, but its sentiment remains the same.
Merry Christmas to you!
In the end, the singer wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.
Lyrics © Ceylon Records, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind