Barlow's first album, Sings, was released in 1998. She has received seven nominations for Canada's Juno Awards with her album Seule ce soir winning for best Jazz Vocal Recording in 2013 and Clear Day winning the same award in 2016. Seule ce soir also won Album of the Year – Jazz Interpretation at the 2013 ADISQ Awards. Barlow was also nominated for the Jack Richardson Producer of the Year Award at the 2016 Juno Awards.
Barlow was named Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2008 National Jazz Awards. She has named as influences Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Stevie Wonder.
Barlow has voiced various characters for animated television series, including Sailor Mars and Sailor Venus in Sailor Moon, Courtney, Laurie and Ellody in the Total Drama series, Chrissy in 6teen, Mrs. Ridgemount in Stoked, Bunny in Almost Naked Animals and Theresa Falcone (MacDougall) in Fugget About It.
Born in Toronto to parents who were professional musicians, Barlow grew up in recording studios and by age seven had begun a career singing television and radio commercials.
She was encouraged by her parents to sing and study several instruments including piano, cello, clarinet, and violin. Barlow studied voice at the Etobicoke School of Arts and music theory and arranging at Humber College.
Barlow's grandfathers were ventriloquist Cy Leonard and actor Bob Homme (who played The Friendly Giant). Her father is award-winning jazz drummer Brian Barlow (aka Brian Leonard). Her mother, Judy Tate, is a composer, arranger and singer. Her uncle was Richard Homme, a Canadian jazz bassist who died 6 May 2011.
Santa Baby
Emilie-Claire Barlow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 fellows 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
Come and trim my Christmas tree,
With some decorations bought at Tiffany's
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
The first verse of Emilie-Claire Barlow’s song “Santa Baby” delivers a direct request to Santa himself. The singer, a woman, is asking for him to bring her a sable, or perhaps a fur coat, as a Christmas gift. She emphasizes that she has been good all year long, implying that she deserves a luxurious present. The tone of the song is seductive, as she “wait[s] up” for Santa to arrive, and she sings to him using terms of endearment such as “dear” and “baby.” The second verse escalates the requests, with the singer asking for a blue convertible car and a yacht. Along with the expensive gifts, she also asks for a ring, one that is not on the phone but instead on her finger. In the bridge, the singer thinks back on the year she has had and reflects on what she has missed out on. She ends the bridge by saying that she could be just as good next year if Santa fulfills her desires this year.
The lyrics of the song are a commentary on the commercialization of Christmas and the importance that some place on materialistic goods. The singer explicitly asks for what she wants and implies that she will be happy as long as she receives the gifts she desires. The seductive tone of the song also reinforces societal norms around relationships, suggesting that women should use their sexuality to manipulate men into giving them what they want. Despite these potentially problematic messages, the song has become a holiday classic, with various renditions and covers by artists such as Eartha Kitt and Ariana Grande.
Line by Line Meaning
Santa baby, just slip a sable under the tree, for me
Dear Santa, I've been a really good girl this year. Can you please give me a sable coat as a gift?
Been an awful good girl
I've been on my best behavior throughout the year and avoided doing any mischievous activities.
Santa baby so hurry down the chimney tonight
Please come to my house as soon as possible and deliver my presents down the chimney.
Santa baby, a '54 convertible too, light blue,
In addition to the sable coat, I would love to have a light blue 1954 convertible as my Christmas gift.
I'll wait up for you dear
I'll be awake and waiting for you to arrive so that I can receive my presents.
Think of all the fun I've missed,
I've missed out on many exciting experiences and moments throughout the year.
Think of all the fellows that I haven't kissed
I regret not having the chance to kiss some of the guys I was interested in this year.
Next year I could be just as good
I promise to continue being a good girl in the upcoming year.
If you check off my Christmas list
If my Christmas wish list is fulfilled, I will be even more motivated to stay on my best behavior next year.
Santa baby, I want a yacht and really that's not a lot
I know it's a big ask, but please give me a yacht. It's not too much to ask, is it?
Been an angel all year
I've behaved extremely well throughout the year and have made an effort to stay out of trouble.
Come and trim my Christmas tree,
As part of my Christmas celebration, I would love for you to come and help me decorate my Christmas tree.
With some decorations bought at Tiffany's
I want to decorate my tree with some fancy decorations from Tiffany's.
I really do believe in you,
I have faith in you and believe that you will be able to fulfill my Christmas wishes.
Let's see if you believe in me
I hope you will grant my Christmas wishes and show that you have faith in my good behavior and efforts throughout the year.
Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring,
I forgot to mention that I also want a ring as a Christmas gift.
I don't mean on the phone,
I don't want a phone call, I want a physical ring as a present.
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight
Once again, please hurry down the chimney tonight and deliver my presents, including the ring.
Writer(s): Javits Joan, Springer Philip
Contributed by Skyler T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.