Carter's earliest releases were as half of the duo Clarence And Calvin. Also known as the "C And C Boys", the blind duo made seven singles, the last of which was recorded at Fame's Muscle Shoals studio. When his partner, Calvin Thomas (aka Scott), suffered serious injuries in a car accident in 1966, Carter became a solo act (Calvin himself later reappeared as a solo act to record two Dave Crawford-produced Atco Records singles in 1969/70 and a Clarence Paul-produced 1971 album for Stax Records, I'm Not Blind ... I Just Can't See, from which two singles were also taken). "Tell Daddy", released in January 1967, began a fruitful spell of Fame-produced hits by Carter, released on the Atlantic Records label. Noteworthy were "Thread The Needle", "Looking For A Fox" and "Slip Away", where the singer combined his outstanding voice with his skill as an arranger and musician.
"Patches", first recorded by Chairmen Of The Board, was a UK number 2 and a US number 4 in 1970, but despite further strong offerings, Clarence was unable to sustain the momentum. He remained with Fame until 1973, where he also helped guide Candi Staton, who was now his wife, before moving to ABC Records the subsequent year.
Further recordings on Venture and Big C took Carter's career into the 1980s and later the artist found a sympathetic outlet with the Ichiban Records label. Despite being blinded as a child, he developed a distinctive guitar style that complemented his earthy delivery, and was just as comfortable on keyboards, writing songs or arranging sessions. The first two albums, This Is Clarence Carter and The Dynamic Clarence Carter show off his versatile talent to good effect.
Clarence returned in the late Eighties with the album Dr. CC, which spawned the bawdy, comedic single "Strokin'", which has evolved into a favorite at clubs and weddings. He later followed it up with a sequel, "Still Strokin'", in 1989.
Backdoor Santa
Clarence Carter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I make my runs about the break of day
They call me Back Door Santa
I make my runs about the break of day
I make all the little girls happy
While the boys are out to play
I ain't like the old Saint Nick
I ain't like the old Saint Nick
He don't come but once a year
I come runnin' with my presents
Every time you call me dear
I keep some change in my pocket, in case the children are home
I give 'em a few pennies so that we can be alone
I leave the back door open so if anybody smells a mouse
And wouldn't old Santa be in trouble if there ain't no chimney in the house
They call me Back Door Santa
I make my runs about the break of day
I make all the little girls happy
While the boys are out to play
That's what they call me, Back Door Santa
That's what they call me
They call me Back Door Santa
That's what all the girls call me
I give 'em all little presents
That's what they call me
They call me Back Door Santa
And I like for them to call me that
They call me Back Door Santa
And I like it and I like it and I like it
Clarence Carter's song "Backdoor Santa" is a bluesy and soulful Christmas tune that has a cheeky, double entendre twist. The lyrics describe the persona of the "Back Door Santa," who delivers presents to the little girls in the neighborhood while the boys are out playing. The phrase "Back Door Santa" implies that he is not the traditional Santa Claus who comes down the chimney of well-behaved children's homes, but rather a secret lover who enters through the back door to spend time with those looking for some adult company.
The song's playful language is filled with innuendos, clever wordplay, and cheeky humor. For instance, when the Back Door Santa talks about keeping some change in his pocket, it could be interpreted as a reference to him having enough money to pay for his liaisons with the girls he visits. Additionally, the lines "I leave the back door open so if anybody smells a mouse / And wouldn't old Santa be in trouble if there ain't no chimney in the house" could be interpreted as a warning to the girls that they should not tell anyone, including the real Santa, about his visits.
Line by Line Meaning
They call me Back Door Santa
The singer is a person who is called Back Door Santa.
I make my runs about the break of day
The singer makes his gift-giving runs in the early morning hours.
I make all the little girls happy
While the boys are out to play
The singer enjoys giving gifts to little girls, especially when the boys are preoccupied with other activities.
I ain't like the old Saint Nick
He don't come but once a year
I come runnin' with my presents
Every time you call me dear
The artist differentiates himself from Santa Claus, emphasizing that he is available to give gifts at any time he is called upon.
I keep some change in my pocket, in case the children are home
I give 'em a few pennies so that we can be alone
I leave the back door open so if anybody smells a mouse
And wouldn't old Santa be in trouble if there ain't no chimney in the house
The artist is creative in finding ways to sneak gifts to children. He carries small amounts of money in case he is caught, and he leaves the back door open for easy access. He also acknowledges that not all houses have chimneys, which limits Santa Claus' access to certain homes.
That's what they call me, Back Door Santa
That's what they call me
They call me Back Door Santa
That's what all the girls call me
The singer reiterates his nickname and notes that it is commonly used by young girls.
I give 'em all little presents
That's what they call me
They call me Back Door Santa
And I like for them to call me that
They call me Back Door Santa
And I like it and I like it and I like it
The singer enjoys giving gifts to children and gets pleasure from being called Back Door Santa.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CLARENCE CARTER, CLARENCE GEORGE CARTER, MARCUS DANIEL, MARCUS LEWIS DANIEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Adonfffunk
They call me Back Door Santa
I make my runs about the break of day
They call me Back Door Santa
I make my runs about the break of day
I make all the little girls happy
While the boys are out to play
I ain't like the old Saint Nick
He don't come but once a year
I ain't like the old Saint Nick
He don't come but once a year
I come runnin' with my presents
Every time you call me dear
I keep some change in my pocket, in case the children are home
I give 'em a few pennies so that we can be alone
I leave the back door open so if anybody smells a mouse
And wouldn't old Santa be in trouble if there ain't no chimney in the house
They call me Back Door Santa
I make my runs about the break of day
I make all the little girls happy
While the boys are out to play
That's what they call me, Back Door Santa
That's what they call me
They call me Back Door Santa
That's what all the girls call me
I give 'em all little presents
That's what they call me
They call me Back Door Santa
And I like for them to call me that
They call me Back Door Santa
And I like it and I like it and I like it
mrstanbmw
"I'm not like ole saint nick who only comes once a year" one of the greatest lyrics of all time.
trugod
+mrstanbmw Nice. I didn't catch the double entendre in that lyric at first.
Maurice Marshall
Lol
FreekyDeeky21
@LiveLaugh MakeLove Touche. LOL!!!!
Morris Bailey
@Maurice Marshall Ronny, is this you? MJB.
Crogy 92
My Late Uncle used to have this on repeat back at his place all the time. RIP Uncle Danny I know you will be smiling down on us This Christmas.
Robert Pesold
Clarence is a revelation. His song-writing skills, soul, and innuendo is second-to-none.
Robert Orick
One of the most sex-drenched Christmas-based songs ever made, and funky to boot. Also makes a very brief appearance on 2018's "The Grinch" movie (opening intro only.) A classic.
Schrodinger’s Cat
Normally, I hate Christmas music because it’s depressing. But this song really makes me look forward to the holidays! I can play it over and over again.
Thomas Zumpetta
I'm 40, I just heard this song for the first time play somewhere. It stopped me in my tracks! I needed to know what is this sweet sweet Christmas music playing! And now here I am, and here I'm staying the rest of the holiday season.