Santa Baby
Eartha Kitt Lyrics


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Santa baby, just slip a sable under the tree for me
Been an awful good girl
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa baby, a '54 convertible too, light blue
I'll wait up for you, dear
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight
Think of all the fun I've missed
Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed
Next year, I could be just as good
If you check off my Christmas list

Santa baby, I want a yacht and really that's not a lot
Been an angel all year
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa honey, one little thing I really need, the deed
To a platinum mine
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa cutie, and fill my stocking with a duplex and checks
Sign your "X" on the line
Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight

Come and trim my Christmas tree
With some decorations bought at Tiffany
I really do believe in you
Let's see if you believe in me

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring
I don't mean on the phone
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight




Hurry down the chimney tonight
Hurry, tonight

Overall Meaning

Eartha Kitt's Santa Baby is a classic Christmas song, sung from the perspective of a woman who is asking Santa Claus for various luxury gifts - a sable, a convertible, a yacht and a platinum mine among other things. She claims to have been an angel all year long and hopes that Santa will fulfill her Christmas wish list. The lyrics provide evidence of the lavish materialistic desires of society during the time period (1953) the song was written, but it also highlights the importance of generosity and giving (from Santa Claus). The song is written in a seductive tone, with the repetition of "Santa baby" in each verse, serving as a playful and flirty request to fulfill her extravagant desires. The lyrics also make comedic jabs, with the line "I really do believe in you, let's see if you believe in me".


The first interesting fact about the song is that it was written by Joan Javits, niece of Senator Jacob K. Javits, Phil Springer, and Tony Springer, and was originally recorded by Eartha Kitt in 1953. In addition, the song was a major hit when it was released, and has since been covered by multiple artists including Madonna, Kylie Minogue, and Ariana Grande. Santa Baby was also used in the hit movie "Elf" (2003) starring Will Ferrell. The iconic opening of the song "Santa baby, just slip a sable under the tree for me” was originally written by Joan Javits while she was taking a taxi on a hot summer day in New York City.


Another fascinating fact about the song is that Eartha Kitt's rendition was reportedly banned by the Roman Catholic Church in Spain because the song was considered improper for young listeners. The song was also temporarily banned from radio stations in the United States after a group of listeners wrote in and complained that the lyrics were sexually suggestive.


Lastly, the song has been praised for the way it highlights Eartha Kitt's sultry singing voice, with the lyrics providing an opportunity for the singer to show off her sultry vocal range. The chord progression is fairly straightforward, with the song being played in the key of C Major. The chords for the song are C, Dm7, G7, Em7b5/A7, Dm, G7 and F in the chorus. In the verse, the chords used are also C, Dm7, G7 and Em7b5/A7. The melody of the song is simple and catchy, making it an easy and enjoyable listen for audiences of all ages.


Line by Line Meaning

Santa baby, just slip a sable under the tree for me
Dear Santa Claus, if you could place a luxurious fur coat under my Christmas tree, I'll be extremely grateful as I have been on my best behavior this whole year!


Been an awful good girl
I have behaved exceptionally well the whole year and deserve a nice gift for Christmas!


Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight
Please Santa, come down the chimney promptly tonight!


Santa baby, a '54 convertible too, light blue
I wish to have a convertible car with the year of 1954 and the color blue that I can flaunt in front of my friends!


I'll wait up for you, dear
I will stay awake until you come!


Think of all the fun I've missed / Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed / Next year, I could be just as good / If you check off my Christmas list
I have missed out on many opportunities this year, and I could do much better next year if you can grant me my wishes from my Christmas list.


Santa baby, I want a yacht and really that's not a lot / Been an angel all year
I desire a yacht, but that's not too much to ask for as I have been a well-behaved human being throughout the year!


Santa honey, one little thing I really need, the deed / To a platinum mine
Dearest Santa, I long to have the ownership of a platinum mine, which would be my most cherished present this year!


Santa cutie, and fill my stocking with a duplex and checks / Sign your 'X' on the line / Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight
Hey, Santa Babe, I want you to fill my stocking with a duplex and some checks that you should sign on the dotted line, then hurry down the chimney without any delay!


Come and trim my Christmas tree / With some decorations bought at Tiffany / I really do believe in you / Let's see if you believe in me
Santa, can you come and decorate my Christmas tree with some fancy decorations bought from Tiffany's? I believe in you and your power to make my wishes come true!


Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring / I don't mean on the phone / Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight / Hurry down the chimney tonight / Hurry, tonight
Oops, I forget to add something to my present list, Santa. I want a ring, not a phone call! Please rush down the chimney tonight as I'm excited to receive my gifts!




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, TAMIR MUSIC, Qanawat, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Joan Ellen Javits, Philip Springer, Tony Springer

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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