Christmas Is Coming
John Denver & The Muppets Lyrics


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Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat
Please put a penny in the old man's hat
Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat
Please put a penny in the old man's hat
Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat
Please put a penny in the old man's hat
Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat
Please 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, then God bless you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to John Denver & The Muppets's song "Christmas Is Coming" have a couple of layers of interpretation. On the surface, the lyrics are simply a reminder that Christmas is approaching fast and the goose is getting fat, implying that preparations for the holiday season should be underway. The second part of the lyric, which repeats four times with a slight variation, is an appeal to generosity. Christmas is often associated with giving, and the lyrics ask listeners to give generously by putting a penny or ha' penny, which is an old English coin worth half a penny, in the old man's hat. This act of giving is important because it embodies the spirit of Christmas that encourages people to give to those less fortunate.


However, there is also a deeper meaning to these lyrics that is not immediately evident. The "old man" in the hat might be a reference to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, who is also known as Santa Claus. Traditionally, Santa Claus was depicted as an old man in a hat who traveled from house to house giving gifts to children. In this sense, the lyrics might be interpreted as a call to give to Santa Claus or to embody his spirit of generosity by giving to others during the holiday season.


In summary, the lyrics to John Denver & The Muppets's song "Christmas Is Coming" have both a surface meaning and a deeper subtext that calls on listeners to be generous during the holiday season.


Line by Line Meaning

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat
The holiday season is approaching, and people are preparing for it by feasting, hence the mention of the fattening goose.


Please put a penny in the old man's hat
A request is made to the listener to donate money to the old man who is in need of assistance during the holidays.


If you haven't got a penny, a ha' penny will do
The song acknowledges that some people may not have money to donate, but even a small amount is appreciated.


If you haven't got a ha' penny, then God bless you
If the listener cannot afford to donate, it is recognized as unfortunate, but they are still blessed by the divine higher power.




Contributed by James M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

LaDamion Massey

Even at 40 yrs old this song make me smile.

Ann Hitchcock

49 and still laughing.

Media Messengers

We had this record as kids and loved it

Panhan17

This makes me feel like a kid. My dad plays this music every Christmas

Matt Ice

My mom played this cassette all the time when i was a kid

Kori Bjazic

I just learned this album existed. Sad it wasn't a part of my childhood, but happy it will be a part of my kids' lives!

Jesse Skene

Listening to this whole album with my six year old son.....I remember being six and listening to this with my dad! This is the ultimate Christmas album you mix the creativity of Jim Henson& Frank Oz with the musical genius that was John Denver and it outperforms everything. It is fun but traditional and every song brings a flood of memories! Thx

Stefanie Urrutia

I always love that song it makes me feel happy-go-lucky

Sir Real

Stefania Urrutia want to be my girlfriend? We can listen to this song together every year

Sir Real

Stefania Urrutia I knoooooow it makes me feel blessed ^-^

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