The Christmas Song
Joe Nichols Lyrics


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Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
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
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

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.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Joe Nichols's song The Christmas Song bring to mind the joyous festivities of the holiday season. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire is a classic symbol of winter and the warmth that comes with gathering around the fire with loved ones. Jack Frost nipping at your nose is a reminder of the chilly outdoors, but the sight of yule-tide carols being sung by a choir and folks dressed up like Eskimos ensures that the spirit of the season remains alive.


The next verse goes on to show the anticipation of everyone for the arrival of Santa Claus with his sleigh loaded with lots of toys and goodies. The excitement of the children, who will find it hard to sleep tonight, mirrors the childlike wonder and anticipation felt by everyone during the Christmas season. The lyrics then take on a more universal sentiment, with the simple phrase offered to kids from one to ninety-two, wishing Merry Christmas to all, emphasizing the inclusive and welcoming nature of the holiday season.


Overall, The Christmas Song is a nostalgic and joyful anthem that captures the essence of the holiday season, with themes of warmth, togetherness, and the excitement of gift-giving.


Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The comforting smell of roasted chestnuts wafting from the open fire signifies the festive spirit of Christmas.


Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The winter chill of Jack Frost on your nose is a reminder that Christmas is around the corner.


Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The choir singing carols of Christmas creates a sense of joy and peace in the hearts of everyone listening.


And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People dressed in Eskimo fur clothing adds to the cheerful and festive atmosphere of Christmas.


Everybody knows a turkey
Turkey is a traditional dish of Christmas and everyone looks forward to relishing it during the holiday season.


And some mistletoe
Mistletoe, a small plant symbolizes love, joy and happiness, is hung in houses and offices during Christmas time.


Help to make the season bright
Mistletoe and turkey help create a vibrant and joyful aura of Christmas.


Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
The excitement and anticipation of the young children, their eyes shining bright and hopeful, is the heart of the holiday period.


Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
The thrill and anticipation of the arrival of Santa Claus make children restless and it's hard for them to sleep.


They know that Santa's on his way
Children are aware that their beloved Santa Claus is coming to bring them joy and presents during Christmas time.


He's loaded lots of toys
Santa has an abundance of toys with him to distribute to all the children who have behaved well throughout the year.


And goodies on his sleigh
Along with toys, Santa has goodies, sweets and chocolates to add sweetness to the merry celebration of Christmas time.


And every mother's child is gonna spy
Each child, irrespective of sex or age, is eagerly looking out for Santa Claus to arrive on his magical broad.


To see if reindeer
Children are eager to catch a glimpse of the reindeer pulling Santa's slay as they help spread Christmas joy.


Really know how to fly.
The fact that reindeer are magical creatures, who fly through the night sky, adds to the mystery and enchantment of Christmas.


And so I'm offering this simple phrase
In the essence of Christmas, I'm presenting this simple message.


To kids from one to ninety-two
This message of love, peace and happiness is for everyone, irrespective of their age group.


Although it's been said
This message has already been communicated to all over the years.


Many times, many ways
The message is always the same, conveyed in numerous ways across different cultures and religions.


Merry Christmas to you.
Finally, wishing everyone a happy, blessed and merry Christmas.




Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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