Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
Christmas Songs Lyrics


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You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town

He's making a list
And checking it twice;
He's gonna find out
Who's naughty and nice
Santa Claus is coming to town

He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake!
Ohh! You better watch out!
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town




Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town

Overall Meaning

The song "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" by John F. Coots and Haven Gillespie is a popular Christmas song that was first broadcast on radio in November 1934. The song was sung by Eddie Cantor and became an instant hit, leading to numerous cover versions and becoming a Christmas classic. The lyrics of the song talk about the arrival of Santa Claus in town and his list of those who are either naughty or nice. The song urges listeners to be good so that they can be rewarded with gifts from Santa.


The opening lines of the song "You better watch out, You better not cry, Better not pout, I'm telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town" sets the tone for the song, reminding children that Santa Claus is always watching and it's important to be good so they can receive gifts. The lyrics continue with the notion of Santa Claus keeping track of who's been good or bad by making a list and checking it twice, which has become a popular phrase in pop culture. The song ends with a repeated chorus of Santa Claus is coming to town, further emphasizing the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Day.


Overall, the song "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" is a playful and upbeat way to get into the holiday spirit, reminding children to be on their best behavior before Christmas Day arrives.


Line by Line Meaning

You better watch out
Be alert and cautious, pay attention to your actions


You better not cry
Avoid being emotional and unhappy


Better not pout
Don't express discontent or sadness through facial expressions


I'm telling you why
I'm providing you with a reason and explanation


Santa Claus is coming to town
The mythical gift-giver is on his way to your location


He's making a list
He's creating a registry of names


And checking it twice;
He's reviewing his notes to ensure everything is correct


He's gonna find out
He will ultimately come to know


Who's naughty and nice
Which individuals have acted with good or bad intentions


He sees you when you're sleeping
He's aware of your actions even when you're unconscious


He knows when you're awake
He can perceive when you're alert and conscious


He knows if you've been bad or good
He's knowledgeable of whether you acted with good or bad intentions


So be good for goodness sake!
Act with good intentions without the expectation of a reward


Santa Claus is coming to town
The mythical gift-giver is on his way to your location


Ohh! You better watch out!
Pay attention and be cautious


You better not cry
Avoid being emotional and unhappy


Better not pout
Don't express discontent or sadness through facial expressions


I'm telling you why
I'm providing you with a reason and explanation


Santa Claus is coming to town
The mythical gift-giver is on his way to your location


Santa Claus is coming to town
The mythical gift-giver is on his way to your location




Contributed by Penelope Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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