Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. (December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997), known … Read Full Bio ↴Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. (December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997), known professionally as John Denver, was an American musician, singer-songwriter, record producer, activist, actor, and humanitarian, whose greatest commercial success was as a solo singer, starting in the 1970s. He was one of the most popular acoustic artists of the decade and one of its best-selling artists. By 1974, he was firmly established as America's best selling performer, and AllMusic has described Denver as "among the most beloved entertainers of his era". After traveling and living in numerous locations while growing up in his military family, Denver began his music career in folk music groups in the late 1960s. Denver recorded and released approximately 300 songs, about 200 of which he composed, with total record sales of over 33 million.

He recorded and performed primarily with an acoustic guitar and sang about his joy in nature, his disdain for city life, his enthusiasm for music, and his relationship trials. Denver's music appeared on a variety of charts, including country music, the Billboard Hot 100, and adult contemporary, in all earning him twelve gold and four platinum albums with his signature songs "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Annie's Song", "Rocky Mountain High", "Thank God I'm a Country Boy", and "Sunshine on My Shoulders".

Denver starred in films and several notable television specials in the 1970s and 1980s. He continued to record in the 1990s, also focusing on environmental issues by lending vocal support to space exploration and testifying in front of Congress in protest against censorship in music. He lived in Aspen, Colorado for much of his life and was known for his love of Colorado which he sang about numerous times. In 1974 Denver was named poet laureate of the state. The Colorado state legislature also adopted "Rocky Mountain High" as one of its two state songs in 2007. Denver was an avid pilot and died at the age of 53 in a single-fatality crash of his personal experimental aircraft.

Christmas Is Coming
John Denver Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Spoken:
Scooter? Yes Ma'am. Gonzo? Check. Robin? Yes, Miss Piggy.
This is what we are going to sing. Ahem

Christmas is coming, the geese is getting fast (nice),
Please to put a penny in the old man's hat.
If you haven't got a penny, a ha-penny will do,
If you haven't got a ha-penny than God bless you (good).

Now Scooter, you come in after my first line, and you two boys follow.
Christmas is coming, the geese is getting fast,
Please to put a penny in the old man's hat.
If you haven't got a penny, a ha-penny will do,
If you haven't got a ha-penny than God bless you.

Christmas is coming, the geese is getting fast,
Please to put a penny in the old man's hat.
If you haven't got a penny, a ha-penny will do,
If you haven't got a ha-penny than God bless you.
If you haven't got a ha-penny...

Spoken:

Uh, Miss Piggy? We're finished.
Oh, I knew that.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to John Denver's song "Christmas Is Coming" have multiple layers of meaning. On the surface, it is a playful, upbeat Christmas tune that encourages listeners to prepare for the upcoming holiday season by giving what they can to those in need. The repetitive verses of the song emphasize the importance of small acts of kindness and generosity, such as putting a penny - or even a halfpenny - into an old man's hat.

However, there is also a more symbolic message embedded in the lyrics. The geese getting fast could be interpreted as a metaphor for time passing quickly, and the urgency of making the most of the holiday season to spend time with loved ones and give back to the community. Additionally, the line "if you haven't got a ha-penny than God bless you" can be seen as a reminder to appreciate the blessings we have in our lives, even if we are unable to give materially.

Overall, "Christmas Is Coming" is a fun, cheerful song that carries both a literal and metaphorical message of kindness, generosity, and gratitude.

Line by Line Meaning

Christmas is coming, the geese is getting fast,
The holiday season is approaching quickly, as indicated by the migration of the geese.

Please to put a penny in the old man's hat.
It is requested that a small donation be made to the old man's hat.

If you haven't got a penny, a ha-penny will do,
If a penny is not available, a half-penny donation is still acceptable.

If you haven't got a ha-penny than God bless you.
If a half-penny is not available, blessings are given to those who cannot afford to donate.

Contributed by Mia O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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J Parker

32w

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