Among a number of groups who helped define the Motown Sound of the 1960s, including The Miracles, The Marvelettes, The Temptations and The Supremes, Four Tops were notable for having Stubbs, a baritone, as their lead singer; most groups of the time were fronted by a tenor. The group was the main male vocal group for the songwriting and production team of Holland-Dozier-Holland, who crafted for the group a stream of popular hit singles, including two #1 hits: "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" and "Reach Out I'll Be There". After Holland-Dozier-Holland left Motown in 1967, Four Tops were assigned to a number of producers, primarily Frank Wilson. When Motown left Detroit in 1972 to move to Los Angeles, California, the Tops stayed in Detroit and moved over to ABC Records, where they continued to have charting singles into the late-1970s. Since the 1980s, Four Tops have recorded for, at various times, Motown, Casablanca Records, and Arista Records.
Merry Christmas Baby
Four Tops Lyrics
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Babe you sure did treat me nice
Yeah! Merry Merry Merry Christmas baby
Babe you sure did treat me nice
Gave me a diamond ring for Christmas
And now I'm living in paradise
Oh! I'm feeling mighty fine this morning
Hey baby, I'm feeling mighty fine
I've got good music on my radio
I would love to hug and kiss you baby
While you're standing beneath the mistletoe
Santa came down the chimney
About half past three
He got all of these presents that you'll use
See, I'll help you put on these
Merry Merry Merry Christmas baby
Oh! You sure been good to me
I haven't had a drink this evenin' baby
But I'm all lit up like a Christmas tree
Hey! Merry Merry Merry Christmas baby
I've got good music on my radio
I said, Merry Merry Merry Christmas baby
I've got good music on my radio
I would love to hug and kiss you baby
While you're standing beneath the mistletoe
The Four Tops' song "Merry Christmas Baby" is a classic Christmas song that was first released in 1963. The lyrics of the song tell the story of a man who is feeling grateful for the love and generosity he has received from his partner during the holiday season. The opening lines of the song exclaim "Merry Christmas baby, babe you sure did treat me nice," expressing his appreciation for the thoughtful ways his partner has shown love during the holiday season.
The singer goes on to describe the diamond ring his partner gifted him for Christmas, which he believes has brought him an incredible amount of happiness and has led to him feeling like he is living in paradise. The upbeat and joyful tone of the song is emphasized by the repetition of the word "Merry" throughout the lyrics. The singer's gratitude and joyfulness are also reflected in his desire to hug and kiss his partner while standing beneath the mistletoe.
Line by Line Meaning
Merry Christmas baby
The singer is expressing joy and excitement over the holiday season.
Babe you sure did treat me nice
The singer is grateful for the kindness and generosity of their partner.
Yeah! Merry Merry Merry Christmas baby
The singer is emphasizing the celebratory nature of the holiday season.
Gave me a diamond ring for Christmas
The partner gave the singer a luxurious and thoughtful gift for the holiday.
And now I'm living in paradise
The singer is expressing their happiness and contentment in their current situation thanks to their partner's gift.
Oh! I'm feeling mighty fine this morning
The singer is starting the day off feeling great, likely due to the festive atmosphere of the holiday season.
I've got good music on my radio
The singer is enjoying listening to music that fits the holiday mood.
Hey baby, I'm feeling mighty fine
The singer is addressing their partner and expressing their upbeat mood.
I would love to hug and kiss you baby
The singer is expressing physical affection towards their partner, in the spirit of the romantic holiday season.
While you're standing beneath the mistletoe
The singer is suggesting a classic holiday gesture of standing under a mistletoe for a kiss.
Santa came down the chimney
The singer is referencing the iconic figure of Santa Claus, who brings gifts to children (and apparently the singer's partner).
About half past three
The singer is providing a time reference for when Santa visited.
He got all of these presents that you'll use
Santa brought gifts that the recipient will find practical and enjoyable.
See, I'll help you put on these
The singer is offering to assist their partner in trying out their new gifts.
Oh! You sure been good to me
The singer is acknowledging the kindness and generosity of their partner during the holiday season.
I haven't had a drink this evenin' baby
The singer is expressing that they are enjoying the holiday festivities without needing alcohol to enhance their enjoyment.
But I'm all lit up like a Christmas tree
The singer is using the metaphor of a brightly lit Christmas tree to express their excitement and joy during the holiday season.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHARLES MOSE BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind