Legend also played the piano on Lauryn Hill's 1998 song "Everything is Everything" and sang background vocals on Jay-Z's "Encore" and Alicia Keys' "You Don't Know My Name". Legend frequently cites gospel, R&B, and hip hop music as his main musical influences.
Legend released his critically acclaimed and Billboard Top Ten second album, Once Again, in October 2006. Produced by Raphael Saadiq, Kanye West and will.i.am, it is again a mixture of gospel and classic soul showcasing his extraordinary voice, particularly on "Show Me".
Grammy Award Wins:
*2005 Best New Artist
*2005 Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: "Ordinary People"
*2005 Best R&B Album- Get Lifted
*2007 Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: Heaven
*2007 Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group: Family Affair
Neo-soul singer and pianist John Legend combined the raw fervor of contemporaries Cody ChesnuTT and the burning precision of D'Angelo. Born John Stephens, Legend was a child prodigy who grew up in Ohio, where he began singing gospel and playing piano at the tender age of five. Legend left Ohio at 16 to attend college in Philadelphia, and it was there that he first found a larger audience. Not yet out of his teens, Legend was tapped to play piano on Lauryn Hill's "Everything Is Everything" in 1998. After completing college, he moved to New York, where he began to build a loyal following playing in nightclubs and releasing CDs that he would sell at shows. He also became an in-demand session musician, playing and occasionally writing for a wide array of artists, including Alicia Keys, Twista, Janet Jackson, and Kanye West. It wasn't until West signed the young talent to his new label that he adopted the Legend name with 2004's Solo Sessions Vol. 1: Live at the Knitting Factory. Get Lifted, his first studio album, was released later in the year. On the strength of enduring single "Ordinary People," the album reached the Top Five of the Billboard 200. This led to three Grammy Awards: Best R&B Album, Best R&B Male Vocal Performance, and Best New Artist. Once Again, which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and number one on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, followed in October 2006. Live from Philadelphia, sold exclusively at Target stores, was a successful stopgap release that predated October 2008's Evolver.
The Christmas Song
John Legend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Waited through Spring and Fall
To hear silver bells ringing
And Winter time bringing
The happiest season of all
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Oh 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 we're offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times
Many ways, Merry Christmas to you
And so we're offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times
Many ways, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas to you
To you you you you you
A Merry little Christmas, to you
The lyrics to John Legend's song "The Christmas Song" capture the anticipation and joy that comes with the holiday season. The opening lines set the scene of waiting patiently throughout the year, eagerly anticipating the arrival of winter and the happiness it brings. The mention of silver bells ringing and Winter time emphasizes the festive atmosphere that surrounds Christmas.
The next verse describes traditional winter activities associated with Christmas. The image of chestnuts roasting on an open fire evokes a warm and cozy feeling. Jack Frost nipping at your nose refers to the cold weather, while Yuletide carols being sung by a choir and people dressed up like Eskimos highlight the customs and traditions of the season. It paints a picture of a community coming together to celebrate and enjoy the festive spirit.
The song then mentions two key symbols of Christmas: turkey and mistletoe. These elements are said to contribute to making the season bright, implying that they add to the joy and cheerfulness associated with Christmas. The mention of tiny tots with their eyes all aglow suggests the wonder and excitement that children feel during this time, making it difficult for them to sleep on Christmas Eve.
The following lines touch upon the belief that Santa Claus is coming to town. The reference to Santa loading his sleigh with toys and goodies hints at the anticipation of receiving gifts. Every child eagerly waits to see if reindeer can truly fly and will keep a watchful eye to observe this magical phenomenon.
The song concludes by offering a simple phrase of "Merry Christmas" to kids of all ages, from one to ninety-two. It acknowledges that this message has been said many times before, in different ways, but it remains a heartfelt wish for happiness and joy during the holiday season. The repetition of the phrase at the end, along with the emphasis on "you," is a gentle reminder that Christmas is a time for spreading love and good wishes to everyone.
Line by Line Meaning
All through the year we waited
We eagerly anticipated the arrival of the Christmas season throughout the entire year.
Waited through Spring and Fall
Our anticipation continued and persisted even during the seasons of Spring and Fall.
To hear silver bells ringing
We longed to listen to the enchanting sound of silver bells ringing in the air.
And Winter time bringing
As Winter arrived, it brought along with it the joyous and festive atmosphere of Christmas.
The happiest season of all
Christmas is regarded as the most joyful and delightful season of the year.
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Delicious chestnuts being roasted gently on an open fire, providing warmth and a pleasant aroma.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The cold, frosty air of Winter causing a slight tingling sensation on your nose, as if playfully nipped by Jack Frost.
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
Beautiful Christmas carols being melodiously sung by a choir, spreading the festive spirit.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
People wearing warm and cozy clothing, resembling the traditional attire of Eskimos, to protect themselves from the cold.
Oh everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
It is widely known and expected to have a festive Christmas feast featuring a roasted turkey and the decorative plant, mistletoe.
Help to make the season bright
These elements contribute to brightening and enhancing the joyful atmosphere of the Christmas season.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Young children, filled with excitement, joy, and wonder, with their eyes shining brightly.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
The anticipation and excitement for Christmas make it difficult for the young ones to fall asleep on the night before.
They know that Santa's on his way
Children are aware that Santa Claus is en route to deliver his sack of toys and presents.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa has packed a multitude of toys and treats onto his sleigh to distribute among the children.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Children from every household eagerly keep watch and sneak peeks to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus in action.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
Curious to witness firsthand if the reindeer truly possess the magical ability to fly through the night sky.
And so we're offering this simple phrase
Therefore, we are presenting this uncomplicated expression of goodwill and joy.
To kids from one to ninety-two
Addressing this sincere message of Christmas cheer to individuals of all ages, from young children to the elderly.
Although it's been said many times
Even though these words have been reiterated numerous occasions.
Many ways, Merry Christmas to you
We extend our heartfelt wish of a joyful Christmas to each and every one of you.
To you you you you you
Emphasizing the individuality and personal connection of the greeting extended to each listener.
A Merry little Christmas, to you
Wishing you a delightful and joyous Christmas, filled with laughter and warmth.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alexandra
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide 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 1 to 92
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you
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 1 to 92
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you
Diana B.
Gracias por hacernos la Navidad aún más feliz ♥️
Chicken Wing
Even though it's not Christmas I still like listening to this song!!
barbara cox
Nat King Cole would be proud. Wonderful instrumental arrangement. What a voice!
Leaping lily
❤Love it!!!!!
Rasenburst
John is like the stores that put up their Christmas decorations in October
evelyn loves wonie!
Esto es lo mas hermoso que he oído en todo el día
mauricio lerma
hola
CamSetsTrends
Listening to this October 2nd 2020 I’m going to come back every October for the next Christmas. Christmas almost here I can’t wait 😃
J67
Beautiful!
evelyn loves wonie!
esto me encanta enserio