Of Cajun ancestry, Preston sang in high school choral contests throughout the state of Texas. He formed a rock and roll band called 'The Shades', before recording his No. 1 hit single "Running Bear." The song was written in 1958 by J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, who had died the previous year in the same plane crash that killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens.
Preston quickly followed up with a minor hit called "Cradle of Love," and made several other records during the early 1960s that met with modest success.
"Cradle of Love" however, was a big hit in Athens, Greece in the early 60s.
Preston's pioneering contribution to the genre was recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. He also performed at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater in Branson, Missouri. In 2009 and 2010, Preston performed with the Lamar State College (LSCPA)Touring Band at Lamar State College- Port Arthur, in his hometown.
Johnny Preston's pioneering contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Preston died of heart failure in Beaumont, Texas on March 4, 2011.
New Baby for Christmas
Johnny Preston Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One with long pretty hair
I will stand and kiss her
And I know I'll never miss her
Because she will always be there
I don't want this old baby for Christmas
'Cause Santa you know she's not true
And took me for a sleigh ride
Then turned my white Christmas blue
The people are happy at Christmas time
The children are jumpin' all around
And I don't wan t to be left out of all the fun
So Santa don't you let me down
I want a new baby for Christmas
So don't you bring one that's untrue
She'll kiss me on a hay ride
Then take me on a sleigh ride
And turn my white Christmas to blue
I want a new baby for Christmas
One with long pretty hair
I will stand and kiss her
And I know I'll never miss her
Because she will always be there
I don't want this old baby for Christmas
'Cause Santa you know she's not true
She kissed me on a hay ride
And took me on a sleigh ride
Then turned my white Christmas to blue
The people are happy at Christmas time
The children are jumpin' all around
And I don't wan t to be left out of all the fun
So Santa don't you let me down
I want a new baby for Christmas
So don't you bring me one that's untrue
She'll kissed me on a hay ride
Then take me on a sleigh ride
And turned my white Christmas blue
The song "New Baby for Christmas" by Johnny Preston speaks about the desire for a faithful and loving partner during the holiday season. The singer yearns for a "new baby" with long pretty hair who he can kiss and never miss, expressing the idealization of a perfect romantic partner. The singer then denounces his current lover, referring to her as an "old baby" who is not true. He details how she deceived him on a hay ride and sleigh ride, leaving him with a bleak and blue Christmas. The chorus emphasizes the happiness that surrounds the holiday season, with children jumping around, but the singer does not want to feel left out, and begs Santa to bring him a new, faithful lover to enjoy the holiday cheer with.
The lyrics convey the message of wanting to be with someone special during the holidays, a sentiment that is relatable to many people. The reference to children jumping around and the use of Christmas colors, white and blue, evoke joyful imagery of the holiday season. Additionally, the song's use of the term "new baby" is a nod to the idea of new beginnings and fresh starts that come with the holiday season. Overall, the song captures the hope and excitement that comes with the holiday season and the desire for a loving partner to share it with.
Line by Line Meaning
I want a new baby for Christmas
I desire to have a companion in the form of an infant to celebrate my Christmas with.
One with long pretty hair
I would like for this baby to have long and pretty locks.
I will stand and kiss her
I shall remain beside her and affectionately put my lips against hers.
And I know I'll never miss her
I firmly believe that I will be with her at all times, forever close and smitten.
Because she will always be there
As I have implied prior, I expect my new baby to always be by my side.
I don't want this old baby for Christmas
I would rather not have the baby that I have currently, for I consider her to be quite insincere.
'Cause Santa you know she's not true
I have faith that you, Santa Claus, understand that my current baby is deceitful and unworthy.
She kissed me on a hay ride
My current baby engaged in a romantic act with me while we were traveling on a wagon of hay.
And took me for a sleigh ride
In addition to the aforementioned action, she also brought me along on a trip in a sleigh.
Then turned my white Christmas blue
She ultimately ruined my otherwise joyous holiday, leaving me feeling melancholy and disheartened.
The people are happy at Christmas time
I have noticed that generally, people are content and elated during this specific holiday period.
The children are jumpin' all around
As I perceive it, the youngsters are jumping and frolicking from excitement and glee during the Christmas season.
And I don't wan t to be left out of all the fun
I aspire to not be excluded from all of the jubilation and festivities that are occurring during Christmas time.
So Santa don't you let me down
I entrust that you, Santa Claus, will not disappoint my request and provide me with a new, genuine baby for Christmas.
So don't you bring me one that's untrue
I urge you to only deliver to me a baby who is true and faithful, and not one who is deceitful.
She'll kissed me on a hay ride
Again, I refer to my current baby and the act of her kissing me while we were on a wagon of hay.
Then take me on a sleigh ride
Alongside the prior kiss, she also took me on a ride in a sleigh.
And turned my white Christmas blue
Ultimately, she was the cause of my Christmas being filled with sadness and despair.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: G. JONES, L. BLACKWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jeanwalcott5000
I am here in Barbados love it
@markcole1400
Isn't this song just great🎅🎁🎄☃️😊👍
@myweeter
Been a favorite for many years
@ShirlAnnD
If I'm not mistaken, Buck Owens sang this in the 60's. I would love to hear that version. But, thanks for this, I don't remember this one, but I love it.
@skoot2u
Love this song,but never knew who sang it, Thank You.
@thommeister
The original was actually George Jones, he wrote it. Great song in either version (although George's is decidedly twangier! Merry Christmas!!
@barrygioportmorien1
I love this....