Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American sin… Read Full Bio ↴Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, he is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King".

Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, with his family when he was 13 years old. His music career began there in 1954, recording at Sun Records with producer Sam Phillips, who wanted to bring the sound of African American music to a wider audience. Accompanied by guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Presley was a pioneer of rockabilly, an uptempo, backbeat-driven fusion of country music and rhythm and blues. In 1955, drummer D. J. Fontana joined to complete the lineup of Presley's classic quartet and RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who would manage the singer for more than two decades. Presley's first RCA single, "Heartbreak Hotel", was released in January 1956 and became a number one hit in the United States. With a series of successful network television appearances and chart-topping records, he became the leading figure of the newly popular sound of rock and roll. His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race relations, made him enormously popular—and controversial.

In November 1956, Presley made his film debut in Love Me Tender. Drafted into military service in 1958, Presley relaunched his recording career two years later with some of his most commercially successful work. He held few concerts however, and guided by Parker, proceeded to devote much of the 1960s to making Hollywood movies and soundtrack albums, most of them critically derided. In 1968, following a seven-year break from live performances, he returned to the stage in the acclaimed television comeback special Elvis, which led to an extended Las Vegas concert residency and a string of highly profitable tours. In 1973, Presley gave the first concert by a solo artist to be broadcast around the world, Aloha from Hawaii. Years of prescription drug abuse severely compromised his health, and he died suddenly in 1977 at his Graceland estate, just 42 years of age.

Presley is one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century. Commercially successful in many genres, including pop, country, blues, and gospel, he is the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music. He won three competitive Grammys, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36, and has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame.

The Christmas Song
Elvis Presley 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

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 lyrics to Elvis Presley's song "The Christmas Song" paint a nostalgic and heartwarming picture of the holiday season. The song begins with the imagery of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, creating a cozy and comforting atmosphere. The mention of Jack Frost nipping at your nose indicates the chilly winter weather, adding a touch of realism to the scene.

As the song continues, the lyrics describe the festive spirit through the Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir and people dressed up like Eskimos. This brings to mind a traditional Christmas celebration with joyful voices and colorful costumes. The mention of a turkey and mistletoe emphasizes the importance of these symbols in creating a bright and festive season. The lyrics also highlight the excitement of young children who have trouble falling asleep on Christmas Eve, eagerly anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus and his sleigh full of toys and goodies.

Elvis then offers a simple phrase, wishing "Merry Christmas" to kids of all ages, from one to ninety-two. This message is timeless, reminding listeners of the universal joy and warmth that the holiday season brings. The repetition of the phrase "Although it's been said many times, many ways" acknowledges the traditional nature of this sentiment, yet still keeps it meaningful and heartfelt.

Overall, "The Christmas Song" captures the essence of Christmas with its evocative imagery and sentimental message. It invites listeners to embrace the spirit of the season and share in the joy and goodwill that Christmas brings.

Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Imagine the comforting feeling of chestnuts being cooked over an open fire, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Feel the chilly winter air as Jack Frost playfully kisses your nose, reminding you of the season.

Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
Listen to the joyful sounds of traditional Christmas songs sung harmoniously by a choir, setting the festive mood.

And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Observe people joyfully embracing the spirit of winter by dressing up in warm and traditional Eskimo attire.

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
It is widely known that a turkey and some mistletoe are essential elements that contribute to the joyful ambiance of the holiday.

Help to make the season bright
These festive items bring brightness and cheer to the season, adding to the overall enjoyment and happiness.

Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Witness the excitement and wonder in the eyes of young children, filled with anticipation and happiness.

Will find it hard to sleep tonight
Their excitement makes it difficult for them to fall asleep as they eagerly await the arrival of Christmas morning.

They know that Santa's on his way
Children are aware and convinced that Santa Claus is making his journey to bring joy and gifts to them.

He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa Claus has packed his sleigh with an abundance of toys and delightful treats to bring delight to every child.

And every mother's child is gonna spy
Curiosity compels every child, regardless of their background, to try and catch a glimpse of Santa Claus in action.

To see if reindeer really know how to fly
Children eagerly watch to witness the magical sight of Santa's reindeer soaring through the sky, curious about their ability to fly.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
With heartfelt sincerity, I present and share this simple statement as a gesture of goodwill and joy.

To kids from one to ninety-two
This phrase is meant to be enjoyed and appreciated by individuals of every age, from the young to the elderly.

Although it's been said many times, many ways
Despite the repeated utterance of similar sentiments in various forms, the message remains consistently significant and full of genuine meaning.

Merry Christmas to you
May your Christmas be filled with happiness, love, and a genuine sense of joy and celebration.

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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