Gleason could not read or write music in a conventional sense; he was said to have conceived melodies in his head and described them vocally to staff help. He did likewise with the well-remembered themes of both The Jackie Gleason Show ("Melancholy Serenade") and The Honeymooners ("You're My Greatest Love"). There has been some controversy over the years as to how much credit Gleason should have received for the finished products; it has been written that beyond the possible conceptualizing of many of the songs, Gleason had no direct involvement such as conducting in the making of these recordings. However, his main musical companion, cornetist and trumpeter Bobby Hackett once said: "Jackie knows a lot more about music than people give him credit for. I have seen him conduct a sixty-piece orchestra and detect one discordant note in the brass section. He would immediately stop the music and locate the wrong note. It always amazed the professional musicians how a guy who technically did not know one note from another could do that. And he was never wrong."
Born February 26, 1916 in Brooklyn, New York, United States. He died on June 24, 1987
Christmas Island
Jackie Gleason Lyrics
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Let's make a break some Christmas, Dear, I know the place to go
How'd ya like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island?
How'd ya like to spend the holiday away across the sea?
How'd ya like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island?
How'd ya like to hang a stocking on a great big coconut tree?
How'd ya like to stay up late, like the islanders do?
If you ever spend Christmas on Christmas Island
You will never stray for everyday
Your Christmas dreams come true.
How'd ya like to stay up late like the islanders do?
Wait for Santa to sail in with your presents in a canoe
If you ever spend Christmas on Christmas Island
You will never stray, for everyday
Your Christmas dreams come true
On Christmas Island your dreams come true.
The lyrics to Jackie Gleason’s “Christmas Island” are a call to escape the cold winter and create a tropical Christmas away from the traditional snow and sleigh bells. The singer presents a proposal to spend the holiday season on Christmas Island, a tropical location full of coconuts trees, sandy beaches, and warm weather. The idea is also presented as an opportunity to experience the unique Christmas traditions of the islanders, such as staying up late to welcome Santa on a canoe with presents.
The song’s lyrics create a sense of playfulness and adventure. The singer invites their loved one to set aside the traditional Christmas celebrations and join them in creating new memories in a far-off destination. The song invites listeners to experience the holiday beyond their culture through the lens of a tropical paradise, where even a coconut tree can serve as a stocking holder. The song is upbeat and joyful, creating a sense of warmth and wonder.
The lyrics to “Christmas Island” are a celebration of the possibilities of the holiday season, inviting listeners to imagine creating magical memories in a new and exciting place. It captures the spirit of the holiday by reminding us of the playful and adventurous nature of the season. The song presents an opportunity to break away from the familiar and create new traditions and memories that will last a lifetime.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's get away from sleigh bells, let's get away from snow
Let's escape the typical Christmas associated with cold weather and traditional holiday symbols.
Let's make a break some Christmas, Dear, I know the place to go
Let's try something new for Christmas and go to a place that's not typical for the holiday.
How'd ya like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island?
Wouldn't it be great to celebrate Christmas on an island named after the holiday?
How'd ya like to spend the holiday away across the sea?
Wouldn't it be great to spend the holiday on a faraway island?
How'd ya like to hang a stocking on a great big coconut tree?
Imagine putting up a stocking on a tree that's not a traditional Christmas tree, like a coconut tree!
How'd ya like to stay up late, like the islanders do?
Wouldn't it be nice to stay up late and enjoy the holiday festivities like the locals on the island?
Wait for Santa to sail in with your presents in a canoe.
Instead of a sleigh, Santa arrives on a canoe in this island, which makes the holiday celebration unique.
If you ever spend Christmas on Christmas Island
If you ever get the chance to celebrate Christmas on this island
You will never stray for everyday
You won't want to go back to the typical Christmas celebrations
Your Christmas dreams come true.
Your idea of a perfect Christmas can come to life on Christmas Island.
On Christmas Island your dreams come true.
Christmas Island has the potential to make your dream Christmas a reality.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Lyle L. Moraine
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind