During the middle of the 1970s Johnny Clarke stood at a Crossroads of Jamai… Read Full Bio ↴During the middle of the 1970s Johnny Clarke stood at a Crossroads of Jamaican music, and was the point about which Reggae music turned during the "Golden Era" of '70s Roots Reggae. Briefly there was no more popular act than he in Jamaica, and this in a country where popularity is exceptionally hard won.

He was nominated best vocalist five times in his own country, an indication of the love Jamaicans have for his voice and music. There are many reasons as to why he commands the respect of his countrymen, one is his ability to perform both roots Reggae material and love songs with equal ability and conviction. This dual persona, both as roots 'preacher' and love 'crooner', was one which out of financial necessity many other performers were required to adopt. Dennis Brown, then Johnny's biggest rival, is a fine example in this regard.

Masterful dub remixes of Johnny Clarke's songs by KING TUBBY contribute no end to the beauty of any mid '70s single release by Clarke. Listen to 'Move Out Of Babylon Rastaman' or the later 'Cold I Up' and to the accompanying b-side dub versions, and you will realize why Johnny Clarke encapsulates so well, '70s Roots Reggae. Few other artists have ever achieved such domination, let alone with the consummate ease and style that Johnny Clarke, the 'studio idler' did.

If you are looking to understand and absorb the world of Reggae, in particular the 'Golden Era' of the mid '70s, Clarke's music is an ideal vehicle within which to do so. When Bob Marley was turning himself into the first International Jamaican superstar, Big Youth, Inner Circle and Johnny Clarke ruled the roost back home. They were the acts popular with Jamaicans, in Jamaica.

While he failed to maintain the success of the '70s, Clarke went on to become one of the highlights of the dancehall era, re-establishing his reputation as he did so. His style had always been well suited to this new genre, one that coincided with the beginning of the new decade.

He has continued to remain true to his own roots, singing largely of 'cultural' matters and retaining his Rastafarian faith. Touring to this day, he spends much of his time in the U.K., and long may we benefit from his beautiful voice.

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Johnny Clarke Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus
Underneath the Christmas tree last night
I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus
Underneath the Christmas tree last night

She did not see me
When I looked through to the window
She thought that I was in bed fast asleep

But I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus
Underneath the Christmas tree last night
I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus
Underneath the Christmas tree last night

Oh, what a laugh if daddy had seen
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night

I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus
Underneath the Christmas tree last night
Yes, I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus
Underneath the Christmas tree last night

Oh, what a laugh if daddy had seen
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night

Mommy kissing Santa Claus
Mommy kissing Santa Claus

Overall Meaning

The song "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" by Johnny Clarke tells the story of a child who catches their mother kissing someone dressed as Santa Claus underneath the Christmas tree. The lyrics convey the child's surprise and excitement at witnessing this scene, as well as the mother's unawareness of being observed.

The first two lines set the scene by stating that the child saw their mother kissing Santa Claus underneath the Christmas tree the previous night. This immediately creates a festive and magical atmosphere, with the Christmas tree serving as a symbol of holiday cheer and the innocence of childhood.

The following lines highlight that the mother is unaware of the child's presence. The child looks through a window and sees the intimate moment between their mother and the person dressed as Santa Claus. The child mentions that their mother believed they were in bed fast asleep, emphasizing their unnoticed observation.

The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the shock and excitement in the child's voice, as they express seeing their mother kissing Santa Claus multiple times. The child's repetition may also emphasize the disbelief and wonder of the situation, further enhancing the magical element of the song.

The final lines of the song introduce the idea that the child finds the situation amusing and lighthearted. They mention that it would be hilarious if their father had witnessed the mother kissing Santa Claus, implying that it is all in good fun and not meant to be taken too seriously. This adds a playful and humorous aspect to the story.

Overall, the lyrics of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" capture the innocence, wonder, and humor of a child's perspective during the Christmas season. The song brings to life the excitement and magic that many children experience during this time of year, adding an element of joy and lightheartedness to the holiday festivities.

Line by Line Meaning

I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus
I witnessed my mother engaging in a romantic act with someone dressed as Santa Claus

Underneath the Christmas tree last night
This encounter took place in the vicinity of the decorated Christmas tree during the previous evening

She did not see me
My presence went unnoticed by my mother

When I looked through to the window
I peered through the window to observe this scene

She thought that I was in bed fast asleep
My mother believed that I was soundly asleep in my bed

Oh, what a laugh if daddy had seen
It would have been humorous if my father had witnessed my mother kissing Santa Claus

Mommy kissing Santa Claus
The act of my mother engaging in an affectionate moment with Santa Claus

Lyrics © Kanjian Music
Written by: Tommie Connor

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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