Born in Oakdale, New York on Long Island, Monheit began singing professionally while attending Connetquot High School. At 17, she began studying at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City under the tutelage of Peter Eldridge. At the age of 20, as a senior, she won the first runner-up prize at the 1998 Thelonious Monk Institute Vocal Competition. In 1999, she received her Bachelor's degree in music.
Monheit's voice has been compared to that of Ella Fitzgerald, whom she lists as one of her influences. Songs she has recorded range from jazz standards to MGM/RKO musicals of the 1930s-1950s and Brazilian rhythms such as "Começar de novo".
Monheit released her debut album, Never Never Land in October 2000 and it became an instant success. This was followed shortly by her second album, Come Dream With Me (May 2001) and her third, In The Sun (October 2002).
Her fourth album, Live at the Rainbow Room, was released in December 2003. A similarly-titled DVD was released to complement the CD.
Her fifth album, Taking a Chance on Love, was released in September 2004. It debuted at the #1 spot on Billboard's traditional jazz chart and entered Billboard's top 100 pop chart the first week it was released. The album included the song Over the Rainbow, which had been included in her previous release recorded at the Rainbow Room, and also in the soundtrack for the film, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.
The Taking a Chance on Love DVD was released in March 2005 and contains performances from the Brecon Jazz Festival in Wales, UK. Monheit released her sixth album, The Season, in October 2005. Her first holiday-themed album, it debuted in the top 10 on Billboard's jazz chart. Monheit told jazzreview.com that it was inspired by Ella Fitzgerald's holiday album, Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas.
The singer recently signed a recording contract with Concord Records. Her most recent album, Surrender, debuted at #1 on Billboard's jazz chart.
The Man With The Bag
Jane Monheit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The bells that'll tingle all your troubles away
Everybody's waiting for the man with the bag
'Cause Christmas is comin' again
He's got a sleigh full, it's not gonna stay full
He's got stuff to drop at every stop on the way
Everybody's waiting for the man with the bag
He'll be here with the answer to the prayers
That you made through the year
You'll get yours if you've done everything you should
Extra special good
He'll make this December the one you'll remember
The best and the merriest you ever did have
Everybody's waiting for the man with the bag
'Cause Christmas is here again
Old Mr.Kringle is soon gonna jingle
The bells that'll tingle all your troubles away
Everybody's waiting for the man with the bag
'Cause Christmas is comin' again
He's got a sleigh full, it's not gonna stay full
He's got stuff to drop at every stop on the way
Everybody's waiting for the man with the bag
'Cause Christmas is comin' again
He'll be here with the answer to the prayers
That you made through the year
You'll get yours if you've done everything you should
Extra special good
He'll make this December the one you'll remember
The best and the merriest you ever did have
Everybody's waiting, they're all congregating
Waiting for the man with the bag
Better watch out now
The lyrics describe the imminent arrival of Santa Claus, also known as "the man with the bag", and the excitement and anticipation that comes with the Christmas season. The first stanza sets the tone, describing how the sound of Christmas bells will "tingle all your troubles away". Everyone is eagerly waiting for Santa Claus to arrive, who is described as having a "sleigh full" of presents that he will drop off at every stop on his journey.
The second stanza reinforces the importance of being on Santa's "nice" list, with the promise that he will answer the prayers and wishes made throughout the year. This reinforces the belief that Santa is watching and taking note of children's behavior, and rewarding them accordingly. The lyrics also suggest that this particular December will be one to remember, the "best and the merriest" yet. The final stanza repeats the excitement and anticipation of waiting for Santa, with the emphasis on how everyone is "congregating" for his arrival.
Overall, the lyrics of the song convey a sense of joy and celebration, as well as reinforcing the idea of Santa Claus as a magical figure who rewards kindness and good behavior.
Line by Line Meaning
Old Mr.Kringle is soon gonna jingle
Santa Claus is getting ready to bring Christmas cheer
The bells that'll tingle all your troubles away
The sound of Christmas bells will make you forget your worries
Everybody's waiting for the man with the bag
People are excited to receive gifts from Santa Claus
'Cause Christmas is comin' again
Holiday season is approaching
He's got a sleigh full, it's not gonna stay full
Santa Claus has a lot of presents to deliver to everyone
He's got stuff to drop at every stop on the way
Santa Claus has gifts for every house he visits
He'll be here with the answer to the prayers
Santa Claus has the power to fulfill people's wishes on Christmas
That you made through the year
These are the wishes that people made throughout the year
You'll get yours if you've done everything you should
If you've been good, you will receive your Christmas presents
Extra special good
You need to have been exceptionally well-behaved to receive the best presents
He'll make this December the one you'll remember
Santa Claus will make sure this Christmas is unforgettable
The best and the merriest you ever did have
This Christmas will be the happiest and most joyous one ever
Everybody's waiting, they're all congregating
People are gathering eagerly to wait for Santa Claus
Waiting for the man with the bag
Waiting for Santa Claus, who has a bag full of presents
Better watch out now
You should be on your best behavior if you want to receive presents from Santa Claus
Lyrics © Kanjian Music
Written by: Dudley Brooks, Hal Stanley, Irving Taylor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kennaem1
I have a solo in this song in a show I'm doing, and I love this song!!!
@viniduraes
Beautiful, sexy and a great voice!
@joannamichelle72
i loved her when she had REALLY long hair. she's still lovelly like this. and ofcourse great singer.
@musicmane3603
What a great song and a great voice. Not to mention she looks like a gorgeous real-life Jessica Rabbit!