In 2001, DeGraw released his first album independently named Gavin Live.
In 2003, his first major studio album was released, entitled Chariot, on July 22nd. He released Chariot Stripped a year later, an album with the same songs, but the instruments brought down to a minimum. The album has so far peaked at #1 in two countries, in Denmark and on the US Billboard Top Heatseekers chart. It went to #2 in Norway and #56 on the Billboard 200 and has benn certified Platinum. His first single, I Don't Want To Be, was released on December 14th 2004 and was the theme tune to the hit TV. drama series One Tree Hill. It peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at #10, the Billboard Pop 100 at #3, #6 in Norway and #38 in the UK, making it his only UK top 40 hit. It has been certified 2x Platinum, selling over 2 million copies. The second single, Chariot, was released on March 1st 2005 and made it to #1 on the Italian Airplay chart. It also did quite well in the US, hitting #30 on the Billboard Hot 100. The third single was Follow Through and it was released on November 17th 2005. It was used on several TV shows, including Scrubs, and was used on the Carte D'or, an ice cream company. The song peaked at #12 in Norway, #13 in Holland, #38 in Portugal and #52 on the Billboard Hot 100. The final single from the album, Just Friends was released in early 2006 and went to #21 in Holland.
DeGraw's second album, the self-titled Gavin DeGraw, was released on May 6th 2008. It debuted and peaked on the US Billboard 200 at #7, selling 66,000 copies in its first week. It also made #3 in Denmark, #8 in Norway and #13 in Sweden. The first single, We Belong Together, was featured on the soundtrack of the film Tristan & Isolde. It peaked at #26 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single, In Love With A Girl, was released on February 12th 2008. It peaked at #5 on the US Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks, #22 in Holland, #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #32 in Canada. She Holds A Key was released next, in Mid-2008, and peaked at #29 in Holland. The next single, Cheated On Me, was released in September 2008 and peaked at #77 on the Billboard Pop 100. I Have You To Thank was the final single of the album, being released in early 2009.
His third album, Free, was released less than a year after Gavin DeGraw, on March 31st 2009, and was made in less than two weeks. It entered the Billboard 200 at #19, selling 29,000 copies. The first single, Stay, was released on March 11th 2009, through the internet.
His fourth album Sweeter was released on September 20th, 2011 and spawned lead single Not Over You which peaked at #18 on the Hot 100 and has been certified double platinum by the RIAA. Second singlek Sweeter reached #18 on Billboard's Adult Pop Songs chart. The final single from the album was Soldier.
Gavin released a live album on December 4th, 2012 entitled "Sweeter Live" singing some tracks from Sweeter and earlier favorites.
His current single Best I Ever Had is a song from upcoming fifth studio album Make A Move to be released on October 15th, 2013 in the US. The song has so far peaked at 28 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart.
The Christmas Song
Gavin DeGraw Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jackfrost nippin' at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everybody knows a turkey, and some mistletoe
Will help o make he season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
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 going to 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
The opening lines to Gavin DeGraw’s “The Christmas Song” instantly paint a festive picture with their vivid imagery. The first two lines set the cozy and warm tone for the song, conveying the pleasant atmosphere of sitting by the fireplace with a loved one, as chestnuts roast on the open fire. The following two lines mention the chill in the air, as “Jackfrost” nips at one’s nose, emphasizing the wintery scene. The next line, “Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,” further paints the scene of a holiday gathering, with a chorus of people harmonizing in the background. The final line of the verse, “And folks dressed up like Eskimos,” brings to mind the layering of clothing and winter accessories that comes with the colder weather, as individuals bundle up to keep warm.
The chorus of “The Christmas Song” refers to some of the most iconic holiday traditions, beginning with “Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe, will help to make the season bright.” Turkey is the classic holiday centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal while mistletoe is often associated with a Christmas romantic tradition of kissing under the plant. The line “Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow, will find it hard to sleep tonight” perfectly captures the excitement of children during the holiday season, who eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus. The third verse returns to the idea of Santa, describing how all the children know that he’s on his way, laden with toys and treats. The final verse emphasizes the simple phrase “Merry Christmas,” concluding with the message that the sentiment has been expressed countless times before, but that the warmth and joy of the holiday never loses its effect.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on a open fire
The warmth of the fire reminds us of the holidays, and everyone gathers around it to keep themselves warm, safe and happy
Jackfrost nippin' at your nose
The cold weather may be harsh, but it puts us in the holiday spirit and brings along the excitement of new beginnings
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
The joyous songs of the season fill the air, and remind us of why we celebrate in the first place - it brings us closer to each other, and to our spirituality or faith
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
We love to wear warm, festive clothes, and it makes us feel like we're part of a bigger community, all enjoying the same traditions together
Everybody knows a turkey, and some mistletoe
Certain foods and decorations are synonymous with the holidays, and they're a necessary part of the festivities we look forward to all year long
Will help o make he season bright
These iconic symbols of the season create a feeling of positivity and cheerfulness, and their presence helps us celebrate more joyfully
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children are at the heart of the holidays, and their excitement and wonder reminds us of the magic and beauty of the season
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
The anticipation of Christmas morning and opening gifts is so thrilling that many children find it difficult to fall asleep the night before
They know that Santa's on his way
Kids believe that Santa Claus will bring them gifts, and the tradition of Santa reinforces the idea of kindness, generosity, and magic of the holiday season
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
The magic of Santa Claus is believing that he brings gifts and happiness to those who have been good throughout the year
And every mother's child is going to spy
Children are so excited about Santa and the gifts he brings that they try to catch him in the act of delivering presents on Christmas Eve
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
The legend of Santa Claus and his flying reindeer is a magical element of the season, and reminds us that anything is possible if we believe
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
The holidays are about giving, and sharing kindness with others, even if it's just a simple greeting
To kids from one to ninety-two
Everyone, no matter their age, can enjoy the love and happiness that comes with the holidays
Although it's been said, many times
The phrase 'Merry Christmas' may be simple, but it's loaded with meaning and emotions that make it an important part of the holiday season
Many ways
There are many ways to celebrate the holidays and spread joy, and everyone can find what works best for them and their loved ones
Merry Christmas, to you
The ultimate message of the song is one of good cheer and kindness, wishing everyone a happy and joyous holiday season
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind