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
The Christmas Song
Jackie Gleason Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide 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 little 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
Love and joy come to you
And to you, your carol too you
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year
The Christmas Song by Jackie Gleason is a classic holiday tune that perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas. The song begins with the imagery of chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose. The first two lines of the song take the listener on a visual journey, setting the scene for what is to come. The next line mentions Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, conjuring up the sounds that are synonymous with Christmas. The final line of the verse mentions folks dressed up like Eskimos, which is a reference to the cold climate in which this holiday is celebrated.
The second verse of the song continues with the imagery of the season, mentioning the traditional holiday accoutrements of a turkey and mistletoe. The line about tiny little tots with their eyes all aglow speaks to the magic and wonder of Christmas for children. The following lines lead into the excitement of Christmas Eve, with the children eagerly anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus and his sleigh full of toys. The final line of the verse alludes to the famous Christmas story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his ability to fly.
The final verse carries a message of goodwill to all, with the singer offering a simple phrase of merry Christmas to all the children from one to ninety-two. The final lines of the song are a traditional holiday blessing, wishing love, joy, and a Happy New Year to all.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The warmth of a fire on a cold winter's night reminds us of the holiday season and brings people together.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The cold weather is indicative of the holiday season and can be enjoyed safely from inside a home, surrounded by family and friends.
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
The sounds of carols and hymns bring comfort and hope to people, helping them celebrate and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everyone finds ways to stay warm during the holiday season, often through dressing in bulky but festive gear.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Certain seasonal symbols, such as food and decorations, help bring joy and light to the season.
Help to make the season bright
Joy can be found in the simple things of life, such as sharing a meal and memories with loved ones.
Tiny little tots with their eyes all aglow
Children are at the heart of the season, with their excitement, hope and anticipation.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
The anticipation of Christmas Day can be overwhelming for children, making it tough for them to get a good night's sleep.
They know that Santa's on his way
Children see Christmas as a time when magic and joy are brought to life by jolly old St. Nick.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
The idea of delivering toys to well-behaved children is a much-loved part of the holiday tradition.
And every mother's child is going to spy
Everyone, even adults, loves to search for the signs of the season, including presents and treats laid out for loved ones.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
Part of the magic of Christmas involves the myth that Santa flies all around the world on the backs of his fleet of loyal reindeer.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
Sometimes the most meaningful things are the simple ones, such as a warm wish of Merry Christmas to all.
To kids from one to ninety-two
Everyone can have the spirit of Christmas within them, no matter their age or background.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Holiday greetings come in different forms and from different people, but the best ones come from the heart.
Merry Christmas to you
May your Christmas be filled with love, hope, and joy.
Love and joy come to you
May your holiday season be filled with emotions of love and joy, bringing happiness to all you meet.
And to you, your carol too you
May your songs, laughter and spirit of celebration bring joy to those around you during the holiday season.
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
May God provide blessings and guidance throughout the new year, and may it be a happy, healthy and prosperous one for all.
And God send you a Happy New Year
May divine blessings and good fortune visit you during the upcoming year, and may it be filled with good health, happiness and peace.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Maria DelValle
Just beautiful!
Robert Thomas
Thanks for posting. So many great Christmas memories.
Ben Voiles
I had a music teacher that played on all of these albums I think, His name was Alexander Howard. On one of them he said it was the first time he ever played bass flute.
Trevor Trillion
I bought this LP at a thrift store for 25 cents. I was hoping that Jackie or somebody would sing the song... but NO :(
Bj Iwuoha
The Vampire Diaries brought me here!
Orhan_Boltz
Stefan Salvatore🥀
pah h.
TVD Stefan