The Christmas Song
Johnny Mathis/Percy Faith & His Orchestra Lyrics

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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 one to ninety two
Although it's been said many times many ways

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you

Overall Meaning

The Christmas Song by Johnny Mathis and Percy Faith & His Orchestra is a classic holiday tune that captures the essence of the season in four vivid verses. The song's lyrics are imbued with nostalgia and warmth - a perfect reflection of the warmth of family gatherings during Christmas time. In the first verse, the lyrics describe the traditional image of chestnuts roasting over an open fire, while Jack Frost nips at our noses. The second line introduces the image of a choir singing Yuletide carols. In the third line, we see people dressed up as Eskimos, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The second verse of the song brings up images everyone associates with Christmas time: turkeys and mistletoe, gifts and traditions. Tiny tots, with their eyes aglow, will find it difficult to sleep, anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus, who is pictured in the third verse, loaded with toys and goodies on his sleigh. Every child will be spying, the lyrics say, to catch a glimpse of the reindeer's flight. Finally, the song concludes by offering a simple phrase of holiday cheer, "Merry Christmas to you," which resonates for young and old alike. The song's lyrics evoke feelings of tradition and love, of family and togetherness, and they remind us to take a moment to appreciate the joys of the season.

Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Enjoy the warmth and comfort of the holiday season with the cozy fire and the smell of roasting chestnuts

Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Experience the joy of the winter season with the crisp, cold air and the playful Jack Frost nipping at your nose

Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with the beautiful melodies of Yuletide carols sung by a choir

And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Embrace the festive spirit of the holiday season by dressing up in warm and cozy clothing like Eskimos do

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Traditional Christmas decorations like mistletoe and a feast featuring a turkey are well-known and help to bring people together during this special time

Help to make the season bright
These symbols of Christmas help to brighten up the dark and dreary winter season

Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children are filled with wonder and excitement at the magic of Christmas and all that it brings

Will find it hard to sleep tonight
The anticipation of Christmas morning and the presents from Santa Claus make it difficult for children to fall asleep on Christmas Eve

They know that Santa's on his way
Children everywhere are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve

He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa Claus has worked hard to fill his sleigh with all of the toys and treats that children have been hoping for

And every mother's child is gonna spy
Excited children will eagerly watch for Santa Claus and his reindeer to see the magic of Christmas come to life

To see if reindeer really know how to fly
The wonder and magic of Christmas includes the belief that Santa's reindeer can actually fly

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
In the spirit of Christmas, I want to share a simple message with everyone

To kids from one to ninety two
This message of Christmas is for everyone, from the youngest child to the oldest person

Although it's been said many times many ways
This message of Christmas has been expressed in many different ways and forms throughout the years

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
I wish you a very joyful and happy Christmas

Merry Christmas to you
I hope your Christmas is filled with love, happiness, and peace

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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