Born in Tacoma, Washington, vocalist Diane Schuur has earned respect and ga… Read Full Bio ↴Born in Tacoma, Washington, vocalist Diane Schuur has earned respect and garnered praise from such legendary musicians as Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie and B.B. King. Known for her three-and-a-half octave vocal range, Schuur’s remarkable career began at age nine with her first professional gigs, including those at the local Holiday Inn. While still a student at the Washington State School for the Blind, a 16-year-old Schuur was performing original material and wowing audiences with her playful and distinctive voice. Then, Schuur made her Monterey Jazz Festival debut in 1975. The legendary Stan Getz became one of her biggest fans and an important mentor after hearing her perform at the Festival. The rest is history.

Since then, Schuur has become a legend herself. She has been nominated for five and received two GRAMMY® Awards for "Best Jazz Vocalist," as well as headlined many of the world's most prestigious music venues, including Carnegie Hall. Schuur has toured the world and has performed with such greats as Stan Getz, B.B. King, Maynard Ferguson, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and Quincy Jones. She has performed countless times on The Tonight Show, has performed at The GRAMMY’s and at the White House.

The Christmas Song
Diane Schuur Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
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

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
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!

Overall Meaning

The Christmas Song, also known as Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, is a festive classic that captures the warm and cozy feelings associated with the holiday season. The song describes the traditional symbols of Christmas, including roasting chestnuts, the chill of winter, the joyous singing of Christmas carols, and the excitement of children waiting for Santa Claus.

The first verse creates a picturesque image of a winter night where chestnuts are roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost is biting at your nose. The second verse refers to the way that Christmas brings people together, symbolized by the chorus that highlights the presence of a turkey and mistletoe. However, the main focus of the song is on the excitement and wonder that children have during the holiday season, as they imagine Santa Claus flying through the night sky with his reindeer and delivering presents to children around the world.

The final verse brings the song to a close with a simple message of good cheer and well wishes, as the singer offers a Merry Christmas to everyone from young children to the elderly.

Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air, cozy and comforting.

Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The wintery chill in the air tingles at the tip of your nose.

Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The joyful melodies of Christmas carols sung together in harmony by a choir.

And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People bundled up in warm layers, braving the cold weather and resembling Eskimos.

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Traditional holiday decorations such as a roasted turkey and hanging mistletoe are a familiar sight.

Help to make the season bright
These festive items add to the cheer and brightness of the holiday season.

Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Excited children with twinkling eyes, filled with anticipation and wonder.

Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
Their excitement may make it difficult for them to fall asleep on Christmas Eve.

They know that Santa's on his way
Children believe Santa Claus is coming to deliver presents.

He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa has packed his sleigh with plenty of gifts and treats for the children.

And every mother's child is gonna spy
Every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, will eagerly watch for Santa Claus.

To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
In their imagination, the children are hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa's magical flying reindeer.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
The singer is sharing a heartfelt message with everyone.

To kids from one to ninety-two
This message is for people of all ages, from children to the elderly.

Although it's been said many times, many ways
The message of Merry Christmas is a familiar sentiment, expressed in many different ways.

Merry Christmas to you!
The singer is extending warm wishes of happiness and joy to the listener.

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

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