Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
J. Fred Coots Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town

He's making a list,
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out
Who's naughty and nice.
Santa Claus is coming to town

He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake

Oh! You better watch out!
You better not cry.
Better not pout,
I'm telling you why.




Santa Claus is coming to town.
Santa Claus is coming to town.

Overall Meaning

The song “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” is a classic Christmas song that warns children to be good or they will receive no gifts from Santa Claus. The song was written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie in 1934 and was first sung by Eddie Cantor on his radio show. The lyrics of the song tell a story of how Santa Claus makes a list, checks it twice, and knows who has been naughty or nice. The lyrics are full of warnings to children to behave themselves, as Santa Claus is watching them all the time.


The first verse of the song tells children to watch out and not to cry or pout. The second verse talks about how Santa Claus is making a list and checking it twice, and he will find out who has been naughty or nice. The third verse serves as a warning to children that Santa Claus is always watching them, even when they are sleeping. The last verse repeats the warnings of the first verse and emphasizes that Santa Claus is coming to town.


The song “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” has become a timeless holiday classic and has been covered by many artists over the years. It is a favorite among children and adults alike during the Christmas season.


Line by Line Meaning

You better watch out
Be aware and cautious of your actions.


You better not cry
Do not show signs of weakness, as it may be considered unfavorable.


Better not pout
Do not express displeasure or bitterness.


I'm telling you why
I am providing you with a reason for my warning.


Santa Claus is coming to town
The mythical figure associated with Christmas is expected to visit soon.


He's making a list,
The figure is compiling a record of sorts.


And checking it twice;
The figure is scrutinizing the list to ensure its accuracy.


Gonna find out
The figure aims to discover and ascertain some information.


Who's naughty and nice.
The figure is seeking to determine which individuals have behaved properly or improperly.


He sees you when you're sleeping
The figure is aware of your actions at all times, even during sleep.


He knows when you're awake
The figure is aware of your actions when you are conscious.


He knows if you've been bad or good
The figure is apprised of your behavior, whether it has been undesirable or positive.


So be good for goodness sake
Act positively and properly for no other reason than to be virtuous.


Oh! You better watch out!
The warning should be taken seriously and with vigilance.


Santa Claus is coming to town.
The impending arrival of the well-known figure is soon to happen.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HAVEN GILLESPIE, J. FRED COOTS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@kalifa______

Wish I had one of those😫

@DrCClaus

Thank you for sharing.

@juliekannan856

Love it! I have a victrola. However the head that holds the needle is loose.

@avidehaminian3028

happy birthday!

@DrCClaus

Thank you for sharing.

@shannatravis3177

Haven Gillespie was born in covington ky composed this song. FYI

@DrCClaus

+shanna travis Thank you for sharing Shanna.  Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you.

@nicholaskeough9787

Joey Frederick

@DrCClaus

Thank you for sharing.

More Versions