Brazilian guitarist and singer. The son of Dorival Caymmi and Stella Maris … Read Full Bio ↴Brazilian guitarist and singer. The son of Dorival Caymmi and Stella Maris and brother of Nana Caymmi and Danilo Caymmi's studied piano, guitar and music theory since childhood. His professional debut happened when he accompanied sister Nana on a concert. His main influence comes from his father, João Gilberto, Tom Jobim, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. In the 1960s, he became a producer, arranger and musical director. His career as a songwriter stood out in that same period, when he had songs interpreted by MPB-4 ("Cantigo"), Nana Caymmi ("Saveiros", with Nelson Motta) and Elis Regina ("O Cantador", with Nelson Motta) in festivals. In the 1970s, he wrote music scores for movies and television shows, and in the 80s he turned toward the international market, settling in Los Angeles. Dori's peculiar way of playing the guitar, with unconventional tunings and creative harmonies, has helped projecting his career outside of Brasil. Other hits: "De Onde Vens" (with N. Motta), recorded by Elis and Nara Leão, and "Festa", recorded by Jair Rodrigues, Elis and Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66.

The Christmas Song
Dori Caymmi 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

Dori Caymmi's song The Christmas Song is a classic holiday tune that brings about feelings of warmth, joy and nostalgia. This song has become an iconic symbol of Christmas, and its message reminds us of the simple things that make the holiday season special.

The song starts off by painting a picture of a cozy winter scene with chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose. The imagery evokes feelings of warmth and comfort, setting the stage for a joyful celebration. The next verse highlights the importance of togetherness during the holiday season, with carols being sung by a choir and folks dressed up like Eskimos. The third verse points out the universal traditions of the season, with mentions of a turkey and mistletoe and the excitement of children who cannot sleep because they are waiting for Santa to arrive with his sleigh full of toys. The final verse brings everything full circle, offering a simple phrase of Merry Christmas that can be shared from one generation to the next.

Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The warmth of the fire and the smell of roasting chestnuts make the Christmas season feel cozy and comforting.

Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The cold weather during the season can be harsh, but it also brings a certain magic that can be appreciated.

Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The melodic voices of a choir singing holiday songs herald in a sense of joy and peace.

And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
The season is a time of year when dressing up in warm clothing is not only practical, but also adds to the winter vibe.

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Traditional foods like turkey and decorations such as mistletoe are well recognized symbols of the holiday season.

Help to make the season bright
The traditions of the holiday season add a brightness to the otherwise dark winter season.

Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
The excitement and wonder of the season is most palpable in the eyes of young children, full of wonder and excitement.

Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
Excitement abounds and the anticipation of the festivities may make it hard for children to go to sleep on Christmas Eve.

They know that Santa's on his way
The mythical figure of Santa Claus, who brings presents to children, produces an atmosphere of magic and wonder for children and adults alike.

He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
An abundance of gifts and treats await children on Christmas morning, which often adds to the excitement and thrill of the holiday.

And every mother's child is gonna spy
Everyone, even those who don't believe in Santa, still feel the magic of the holiday and will be tempted to look for evidence of Santa's visit.

To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
The idea of flying reindeer adds to the magical mythology and wonder of the holiday.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
During this season of love and giving, people often express their appreciation and gratitude for each other.

To kids from one to ninety-two
No matter what age you are, the message of the season is one that applies to everyone, young and old alike.

Although it's been said many times, many ways
The message of peace on earth and goodwill towards all is one that has been expressed in countless ways throughout history.

Merry Christmas to you!
The most common and simple greeting of the season, wishing others a joyful and happy holiday.

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