Gladys Knight, born on May 28, 1944, developed her singing style while singing with her family at Baptist church functions. Though the group first released recordings in 1958, their career really got started when Motown founder Berry Gordy witnessed them perform at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in 1966 and felt very impressed. With a career following spanning decade after decade, featuring many hits, the group has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Christmas Song
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics
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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
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!
"The Christmas Song" is a beloved holiday tune, usually played while sitting by a cozy fire or decorating a Christmas tree. The song's lyrics paint a picture of the idealized holiday season, filled with roasting chestnuts, caroling, and the excitement of Santa's impending arrival. The first two lines of the song, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose," sets the scene for a chilly winter evening. The third line, "Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir," adds to the festive ambiance while the fourth line, "And folks dressed up like Eskimos," describes the colorful winter outfits of people enjoying the outdoors.
As the song continues, the chorus tells us that "everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe help to make the season bright." These are classic holiday symbols that we associate with Christmas, along with the happy faces of "tiny tots with their eyes all aglow," which are described as being so awestruck that it might be difficult for them to fall asleep.
The song also reminds us of Santa's arrival, as kids prepare to spy on his reindeer to see if they really know how to fly. The song's last verse offers a simple phrase for all ages, Merry Christmas, and is a perfect upbeat ending to a happy holiday song.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The sweet aroma of roasting chestnuts can be smelled as they cook over an open flame
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The chilly winter air, personified as Jack Frost, causes a nip at your nose and a shiver down your spine
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
A joyful choir sings timeless Christmas carols in celebration of the season
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People bundle up in warm clothing like Eskimos to protect themselves from the cold weather
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
A festive turkey and mistletoe are two common symbols of the holiday season
Help to make the season bright
These holiday traditions add brightness and cheer to the season
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children are filled with excitement and wonder, as seen in the sparkle in their eyes
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
The anticipation of Santa's arrival makes it difficult for children to fall asleep on Christmas Eve
They know that Santa's on his way
The belief and excitement of Santa's arrival is present in the hearts and minds of children
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa Claus is bringing gifts and treats for everyone on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Every child is eager to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus delivering their presents
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
Children wonder if Santa's magical reindeer can really fly as they pull the sleigh across the sky
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
This is a humble message from the singer
To kids from one to ninety-two
This message is for children and adults of all ages
Although it's been said many times, many ways
The phrase the singer is about to say is a common one, but still meaningful
Merry Christmas to you!
The singer wishes everyone a joyful and happy Christmas!
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lori D
Now it's Christmas! Thank you and Merry Christmas!