Jolly Old St. Nicholas
Disney Lyrics

Jolly old Saint Nicholas,
Addressing Saint Nicholas in a cheerful and affectionate way,

Lean your ear this way!
Asking Saint Nicholas for his attention and implying he has something important to say,

Don't you tell a single soul
Urging Saint Nicholas to keep a secret and not to share it with anyone else,

What I'm going to say
Referring to the request that will be made in the upcoming lines and emphasizing its confidentiality,

Christmas Eve is coming soon
Announcing the nearness of a special day when many people celebrate and exchange gifts,

Now, you dear old man
Expressing affection and respect towards Saint Nicholas as an elder and a figure of authority,

Whisper what you'll bring to me
Requesting Saint Nicholas to reveal his plans for a present or gifts,

Tell me if you can
Challenging Saint Nicholas to prove his ability to fulfill the request, while still remaining playful in tone,

When the clock is striking twelve
Referring to a specific time of night, often associated with mysterious or magical events,

When I'm fast asleep
Stating a condition for something to happen, suggesting the artist will have no direct contact with Saint Nicholas when he arrives,

Down the chimney, broad and black
Describing an unconventional way for Saint Nicholas to enter the house, possibly implying supernatural powers or abilities,

With your pack you'll creep
Imagining Saint Nicholas moving quietly and skillfully like a thief, yet still friendly and benevolent,

All the stockings you will find
Acknowledging a common holiday tradition of hanging stockings to be filled with small presents or treats,

Hanging in a row
Emphasizing the visual aspect of the stockings, possibly hinting at a sense of order, harmony or anticipation,

Mine will be the shortest one
Revealing the singer's identity and uniqueness among the other participants of the gift exchange,

You'll be sure to know
Expecting Saint Nicholas to recognize and honor the artist's special request,

Johnny wants a pair of skates
Introducing other characters and their wishes, highlighting the diversity of personalities and gift preferences,

Suzy wants a darling
Showing another possible gift option, using a term that may refer to a toy or a pet,

Nellie wants a story book
Mentioning a more educational and literary present, possibly implying the value of knowledge and imagination,

She keeps stars on falling
Adding a poetic and imaginative touch to Nellie's character, possibly indicating a dreamy or artistic temperament,

As for me my little great
Referring again to the artist, using a slightly ironic phrase that may suggest humility or self-deprecation,

Isn't very bright
Admitting a possible flaw or deficiency in the artist's personality, yet still asking for a suitable gift,

Choose for me dear Santa Claus
Giving Saint Nicholas full discretion and authority to make a decision on the gift, expressing trust and gratitude,

What you think is right
Encouraging Saint Nicholas to use his judgment and intuition, implying that any present he may bring will be appreciated and cherished,