Christmas
Frank Sinatra Louis Armstrong & Bing Crosby Lyrics
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Fields of cotton look wintry white
When it's Christmas time in New Orleans
A barefoot choir in prayer fills the air
Mississippi folks gathering there
'Cause it's Christmas time in New Orleans
Leading the band to a good old Creole beat
Golly, what a spirit, you can only hear it
Down on Basin Street
Your kids will disappear, when you hear
Hallelujah, St. Nicholas is here
When it's Christmas time in New Orleans
You'll see a Dixieland Santa Claus
A leading the band to a good, good old Creole beat
And golly, what a spirit and you can only hear it
A down on Basin Street
Your kids will disappear and when you hear
Hallelujah, old Santa is near
When it's Christmas time in New Orleans
Yes, when it's Christmas time
It's Christmas time in New Orleans
The song Christmas in New Orleans by Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, and Bing Crosby is a jazzy holiday tune that beautifully captures the festive spirit of New Orleans during Christmas time. The lyrics describe the beautiful scenery of New Orleans during the holidays. The opening lines, "Magnolia trees at night, sparkling bright, Fields of cotton look wintry white" perfectly captures the perfect blend of the natural beauty of the city, and the festive decorations during Christmas time. The barefoot choir in prayer, gathering Mississippi folks, and Dixieland Santa Claus further emphasize the unique and quintessentially New Orleans traditions of the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
Magnolia trees at night, sparkling bright
The beautiful magnolia trees at nighttime are lit up with sparkling lights.
Fields of cotton look wintry white
The fields of cotton, usually green, now look white as if covered in winter snow.
When it's Christmas time in New Orleans
During Christmas time, New Orleans is filled with joy and celebration.
A barefoot choir in prayer fills the air
A choir, without shoes, sings prayers that fill the air with beautiful melodies.
Mississippi folks gathering there
The people from Mississippi gather in New Orleans to celebrate Christmas together.
'Cause it's Christmas time in New Orleans
The reason for the gathering is the festive atmosphere of Christmas in New Orleans.
You'll see a Dixieland Santa Claus
In New Orleans, you will see a Santa Claus with a Dixieland twist to his character.
Leading the band to a good old Creole beat
Santa Claus takes the lead of the band, playing music with a Creole rhythm.
Golly, what a spirit, you can only hear it
The enthusiastic and lively spirit of the music can only be experienced in person.
Down on Basin Street
All of this takes place on Basin Street in New Orleans.
Your kids will disappear, when you hear
The children will become so enthralled with the music that they may seem to disappear.
Hallelujah, St. Nicholas is here
People sing 'Hallelujah' because Santa Claus has arrived.
Yes, when it's Christmas time
There is no mistaking the festive holiday spirit of the New Orleans theme song.
It's Christmas time in New Orleans
Therefore, when it's Christmas time, it is a time of joy and excitement in New Orleans.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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