The Christmas Song
Count Basie Big Band/Tony Bennett Lyrics


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Merry Christmas, merry, merry Christmas

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide 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
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
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

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, merry Christmas, merry Christmas to you

Overall Meaning

The Christmas Song is an all-time classic that helps set the mood during the holiday season. The song opens up with the famous introductory line ‘Merry Christmas, merry, merry Christmas’ which sets the mood for the rest of the song. The lyrics describe the typical Christmas setting - chestnuts roasting on an open fire, the cold winter in the air where even ‘Jack Frost is nipping at your nose’, yuletide carols being sung by a choir, and people dressed in warm Eskimo outfits.


The song goes on to describe how people see to it that they have a turkey, mistletoe, and decorations to make the season bright. It also captures how the young at heart, especially the 'tiny tots with their eyes all aglow', find it hard to sleep during the holiday nights, anxiously waiting for Santa's arrival. The final verses of the song carry a message of love, peace, and goodwill as Tony Bennett wishes everyone an enjoyable holiday season.


Overall, the song creates a nostalgic feeling of Christmas with the perfect combination of melody and lyrics while capturing the warmth of the holiday season.


Line by Line Meaning

Merry Christmas, merry, merry Christmas
Wishing you a happy Christmas filled with joy and cheer


Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The comforting sight and smell of roasting chestnuts adds warmth to the season


Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Although winter can be cold and harsh, it also brings a special kind of magic


Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
The beautiful sound of traditional Christmas carols sung in harmony is a timeless joy


And folks dressed up like Eskimos
The cold weather inspires creativity as people bundle up in fun and warm winter outfits


Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Certain things are considered staples of the holiday season, like food and decorations


Help to make the season bright
These traditions bring light and joy to an otherwise dark and cold time of year


Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children are filled with excitement and wonder at the magic of Christmas


Will find it hard to sleep tonight
The anticipation of the holiday and the gifts to come makes it difficult for young ones to settle down


They know that Santa's on his way
Children's belief in Santa Claus adds to the excitement of the season


He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa's mission is to bring joy and gifts to children around the world


Every mother's child is gonna spy
Children are eager to catch a glimpse of Santa and his reindeer as they make their deliveries


To see if reindeer really know how to fly
The idea of flying reindeer adds to the wonder and magic of Santa's journey


And so I'm offering this simple phrase
In the spirit of the season, I want to share a heartfelt message


To kids from one to ninety-two
This message of joy and goodwill is meant for everyone, no matter their age


Although it's been said, many times, many ways
This sentiment has been expressed over and over, but it never loses its impact


Merry Christmas to you
From the bottom of my heart, I wish you a very merry Christmas


Merry Christmas, merry Christmas, merry Christmas to you
May your holiday season be filled with joy, love, and many blessings




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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