McShann was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and began working as a professional musician in 1931, performing around Tulsa, Oklahoma and neighboring Arkansas. He moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1936, and set up his own big band, which featured Charlie Parker (from 1937 to 1942), Bernard Anderson, Ben Webster and Walter Brown. Although its book included both swing and blues numbers, the band played blues on most of its records; its most popular recording was "Confessin' the Blues." The group disbanded when McShann was drafted into the Army in 1944, and he was unable to successfully restart it when he got out.
After the war McShann began to lead small groups featuring blues shouter Jimmy Witherspoon. Witherspoon started recording with McShann in 1945, and fronting McShann's band, had a hit in 1949 with "Ain't Nobody's Business." McShann then played in obscurity until 1969, when he became popular as a singer as well as a pianist, often performing with Claude Williams. He continued recording and touring through the 1990s. Well into his 80s McShann still performed occasionally, particularly in the Kansas City area and Toronto Ontario.
Crime-fiction writer Elmore Leonard featured McShann as a character in his 2005 novel, The Hot Kid.
On December 7, 2006, McShann died at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City.
The Christmas Song
Jay McShann Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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" by Jay McShann is a classic holiday tune that embodies the warm and festive spirit of Christmas. The lyrics opening with "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" create a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere, symbolizing the joy and comfort that Christmas brings. The mention of Jack Frost nipping at your nose adds to the wintery imagery and sets the scene for a chilly but enchanting holiday season.
The song then describes the traditional elements of Christmas, with yule-tide carols being sung by a choir and people dressed in Eskimo attire. This emphasizes the communal aspect of Christmas, where people come together to celebrate and share the joyous occasion. The second verse highlights the familiar symbols of the season, such as turkey and mistletoe, which contribute to the brightness and cheerfulness of the festivities.
The lyrics shift focus to the anticipation of Christmas Eve, particularly for the young children, whose eyes are filled with excitement and wonder. They find it hard to sleep because they know Santa Claus is on his way, with his sleigh loaded with toys and goodies for every child. The mention of reindeer and their ability to fly adds a touch of magic and fantasy to the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Delicious chestnuts are being cooked over a warm fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The cold winter air is causing a tingling sensation in your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
Traditional Christmas songs are being joyfully sung by a group of singers
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
People are wearing warm clothing, resembling the attire of Eskimos
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
It is common knowledge that having a roasted turkey and some mistletoe decorations creates a festive atmosphere
Help to make the season bright
They contribute to making the holiday season cheerful and vibrant
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Young children with shining eyes full of excitement and wonder
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
They will struggle to fall asleep due to the anticipation of Christmas
They know that Santa's on his way
They are aware that Santa Claus is coming soon
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
He has carefully packed numerous toys and treats onto his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
All children, including those of every mother, will eagerly watch for Santa's arrival
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
They want to witness if reindeer possess the magical ability to fly
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
Therefore, I am presenting this uncomplicated message
To kids from one to ninety-two
To children spanning from the youngest to the oldest
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Even though it has been expressed repeatedly, using various methods
Merry Christmas to you!
Wishing you a joyful Christmas!
Lyrics © DistroKid, Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind