Jonathan Larson (February 4, 1960 – January 25, 1996) was an American compo… Read Full Bio ↴Jonathan Larson (February 4, 1960 – January 25, 1996) was an American composer from New York City who created musicals including Rent (1996) and tick, tick...BOOM! (1990).

These musicals seriously tackle issues such as multiculturalism, addiction, sexual orientation and HIV. Rent was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and won four Tony Awards. The scores of his shows reveal that he was an apt composer and lyricist.

One tick, tick...BOOM! song called "Sunday" is an homage to Stephen Sondheim, who supported Larson. It stays close to the melody and lyrics of Sondheim's own song of the same title but turning it from a manifesto about art into a waiter's lament.

Among the many awards he received during and after his lifetime were: the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (for Rent), the Richard Rodgers Production Award, the Richard Rodgers Development Grant, the Stephen Sondheim Award, the Gilman and Gonzalez-Falla Theatre Foundation's Commendation Award, the Tonys for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Score of a Musical for Rent, the Drama Desks for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Book, and Best Lyrics (also for Rent), the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical (again for Rent), the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical in the Off-Broadway category (another for Rent), and three Obie Awards for Outstanding Book, Outstanding Lyrics and Outstanding Music (yet again for Rent).

Among his many creative works are Rent, tick, tick...BOOM!, Sacrimoralimmorality (1981)with David Armstrong (retitled Saved for the one-week run on 42nd Street), Superbia, the music for J.P. Morgan Saves the Nation, numerous individual numbers, music for Sesame Street, music for the children's book cassettes of An American Tail and Land Before Time, music for Rolling Stone magazine publisher Jann Wenner, and four songs for the children's video Away We Go! (which he also conceived and directed).

Larson died unexpectedly of an undiagnosed aortic dissection (aortic aneurysm), believed to have been caused by Marfan syndrome, on January 25th, 1996. It was ten days before his 36th birthday, and the night before Rent's first preview off-Broadway.

After his death, Larson's family and friends started the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation.

In 2005, a film version of his most popular production Rent was released, directed by Christopher Columbus.

In September of 2008, Rent closed after 12 successful years on broadway. One of the final shows and the finale were filmed for a limited engagement film, "Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway." The DVD and Blu-Ray disc were released was in February 2009.

Currently original cast members Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, and Gwen Stewart are performing on the farewell broadway tour of the show.

Christmas Bells
Jonathan Larson Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

FIVE HOMELESS PEOPLE:
Christmas Bells Are Ringing
Christmas Bells Are Ringing
Christmas Bells Are Ringing
On TV - At SAKS

SQUEEGIEMAN
Honest Living, Honest Living

Honest Living, Honest Living
Honest Living, Honest Living

ALL FIVE HOMELESS:
Can't You Spare A Dime Or Two
Here But For The Grace Of God Go You
You'll Be Merry
I'll Be Merry
Tho Merry Ain't In My Vocabulary

No Sleighbells
No Santa Claus
No Yule Log
No Tinsel

No Holly
No Hearth
No

SOLOIST:
'Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer'

ALL FIVE:
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

No Room At The Holiday Inn - Oh No
And It's Beginning To Snow

VENDORS:
Hats, Bats, Shoes, Booze
Mountain Bikes, Potpourri
Leather Bags, Girlie Mags
Forty Fives, AZT

VENDOR #1:
No One's Buying
Feel Like Crying

ALL:
No Room AT THe Holiday Inn - Oh No
And It's Beginning To Snow

VENDOR #2:
How About A Fur-
In Perfect Shape
Owned By An MBA From Uptown
I Got A Tweed
Broken In By A Greedy
Broker Who Went Broke
And Then Broke Down

COLLINS:
You Don't Have To Do This

ANGEL:
Hush Your Mouth, It's Christmas

COLLINS:
I Do Not Deserve You, Angel

COLLINS:
Give - Give
All You Do

Is Give
Give Me Some
Way To Show
How You've Touched
Me So

ANGEL:
Wait - What's On
The Floor?
Let's See Some
More

No - No - No...

ANGEL:
Kiss Me - It's Beginning To Snow

MARK:
... She Said, 'Would You Light My Candle'
And She Put On A Pout
And She Wanted You
To Take Her Out Tonight?

ROGER:
Right

MARK:
She Got You Out!

ROGER:
She Was More Than Okay
But I Pushed Her Away
It Was Bad - I Got Mad
And I Had To Get Her Out Of My Sight

MARK:
Wait, Wait Wait - You Said She Was
Sweet

ROGER:
Let's Go Eat I'll Just Get Fat
It's The One Vice Left-When You're
Dead Meat
There - That's Her

MARK:
Maureen?

ROGER:
Mimi!

MARK:
Wo!

ROGER:
I Should Go

BOTH:
Hey - It's Beginning To Snow

COPS:
I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas

MIMI & JUNKIES:
Follow The Man - Follow The Man
With His Pockets Ful Of The Jam
Follow The Man - Follow The Man
Help Me Out, Daddy
If You Can

Got Any D Man?

THE MAN:
I'm Cool

MIMI & JUNKIES:
Got Any C Man

THE MAN:
I'm Cool

MIMI & JUNKIES:
Got Any X
Any Smack
Any Horse
Any Jugie Boogie Boy
Any Blow?

ROGER:
Hey

MIMI:
Hey

ROGER:
I Just Want To Say
I'm Sorry For The Way --

MIMI:
Forget It

ROGER:
I Blew Up
Can I Make It Up To You?

MIMI:
How?

ROGER:
Dinner Party?

MIMI:
That'll Do

THE MAN:
Hey Lover Boy - Cutie Pie
You Steal My Client - You Die

ROGER:
You Didn't Miss Me - You Won't Miss Her
You'll Never Lack For Customers

JUNKIES:
I'm Willin'
I'm Illin'
I Gotta Get My Sickness Off

Gotta Run, Gotta Ride
Gotta Gun, Gotta Hide -- Gotta Go

THE MAN:
And It's Beginning To Snow

BENNY :
Wish Me Luck Alison -
The Protest Is On

COAT VENDOR:
L. L. Bean,
Geoffrey Beene
Burburry Zip Out

Lining JUNKIES:
Got Any C Man?
Got Any D Man?
Got Any B Man
Got Any Crack
Got Any X

SQUEEGIEMAN:
Honest Living -
ROGER
Mark, This Is Mimi -

MARK/MIMI:
Hi

ROGER:
She's Be Dining - (With Us)

COAT VENDOR:
Here's A New Arrival

THE MAN:
That Is An Ounce

VENDORS:
Hats, Dats, Bats

COLLINS:
That's My Coat!

COAT VENDOR:
We Give Discounts

MARK:
I Think We've Met

ANGEL:
Let's Get A Better One

COLLINS:
It's A Sham

MIMI:
That's What He Said

THE MAN:
I Said It's A Gram!

COLLINS:
But She's A Thief!

ANGEL:
But She Brought Us Together

BENNY:
Which Investor Is Coming??

COLLINS:
I'll Take The Leather

BENNY:
Your Father? - Damn!

HOMELESS & VENDORS:
Christmas Bells Are Swinging
Christmas Bells Are Ringing
Christmas Bells Are Ringing
In My Dreams - Next Year

Once You Donate You Can Go
Celebrate In Tuckahoe
You'll Feel Cheery
I'll Feel Cherry
Tho' I Dont Really Know That Theory

No Bathrobe
No Steuben Glass
No Cappucino Makers
No Pearls, No Diamonds
No 'Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire'
Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire

No Room At The Holiday Inn, Oh No -

COPS:
I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas
Just Like The Ones I Used To Know
Jingle Bells - Prison Cells

Fa La La La - Fa La La La
You Have The Right To Remain
Silent Night Holy Night

Fall On Your Knees On Night Divine
You'll Do Some Time
Fa La La La La
Fa La La La La

JUNKIES:
Got Any C Man?
Got Any D Man?
Got Any B Man?
Got Any X? - Crack?

I'm Willin' - I'm Illin'
Gotta Get My Sickness Off
C-D Help Me
Follow The Man Follow The Man
Follow The Man
Jugie Boogie-Jugie Boogie

Follow The Man Follow The Man
Any Crack Any X Any Jugie Boogie Boy
Any Blow Any X Any Jugie Boogie Boy
Got Any D Man, Got Any C Man
Got Any Crack-Any X-Any Jugie Boogie?

COAT VENDOR:
Twenty Five

ANGEL:
Fifteen

COAT VENDOR:
Twenty Five

ANGEL:
Fifteen

COAT VENDOR:
Twenty Five

ANGEL:
Fifteen

COAT VENDOR:
No Way
Twenty Four

ANGEL:
Fifteen

COAT VENDOR:
Twenty Four

ANGEL:
Fifteen

COAT VENDOR:
Twenty Four

ANGEL:
Fifteen

COAT VENDOR:
Not Today
Twenty Three

ANGEL:
Fifteen

COAT VENDOR:
Twenty Three

ANGEL:
Fifteen

COAT VENDOR:
Twenty Three

ANGEL:
Fifteen
It's Old

COAT VENDOR:
Twenty Two

ANGEL:
Fifteen

COAT VENDOR:
Twenty One

ANGEL:
Fifteen

COAT VENDOR:
Seventeen

ANGEL:
Fifteen

COAT VENDOR:
Fifteen

ANGEL & COAT VENDOR:
Sold!

MARK & ROGER:
Let's
Go
To
The Lot - Maureen's Performing

MIMI:
Who's Maureen?

ROGER:
His Ex

MARK:
But I Am Over Her

ROGER:
Let's Not Hold Hands Yet

MIMI:
Is That A Warning

ALL THREE:
He/You/I
Just
Need(s)
To Take It Slow
I Should Tell You I Should Tell You
I Should Tell You I Should Tell You
I Should Tell You I...

ALL:
And It's Beginning To
And It's Beginning To
And It's Beginning To---

MAUREEN:
Joanne, which way to the stage!

ALL:
Snow!!!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Jonathan Larson's "Christmas Bells" tell a story of a group of homeless people and vendors on the streets of New York City during the holiday season. The five homeless people sing about the Christmas bells ringing at Saks Fifth Avenue and ask for spare change from passersby. They mention the lack of traditional holiday symbols such as sleigh bells and Santa Claus, emphasizing their own disconnection from the festivities of the season. The vendors offer various items for sale, including hats, mountain bikes, and drugs.

Collins and Angel enter the scene, with Collins expressing gratitude towards Angel and Angel shuts him up, reminding him of the celebration of Christmas. The conversation shifts to Mimi, and the group realizes that she is nearby. Roger approaches her and apologizes for his recent behavior towards her. They both ponder getting together for dinner sometime soon. Benny enters, mentioning a protest that's happening and that he needs to leave soon. The song closes on a group performance of "Jingle Bells."

Overall, "Christmas Bells" conveys the theme of the disparity between the rich and the poor and the detachment of some people from the true meaning of Christmas. The song portrays how people living on the streets cannot fully participate in the holiday season's festivities and how Christmas has become more commercialized in the city.

Line by Line Meaning

Christmas Bells Are Ringing
The sound of Christmas bells can be heard

On TV - At SAKS
The Christmas bells can be seen on television and at the department store SAKS

Honest Living, Honest Living
Doing honest work to make a living

Can't You Spare A Dime Or Two
Asking for someone to donate a small amount of money

Here But For The Grace Of God Go You
Reminding others that they could easily be in the same situation

You'll Be Merry Tho Merry Ain't In My Vocabulary
Despite not being able to experience happiness, others will still be able to enjoy the holiday season

No Sleighbells
There are no sleighbells

No Santa Claus
There is no Santa Claus

No Yule Log
There is no Yule log

No Tinsel
There is no tinsel

No Holly
There is no holly

No Hearth
There is no hearth

'Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer'
The song 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' is being sung

No Room At The Holiday Inn - Oh No
There is no available space at the Holiday Inn

And It's Beginning To Snow
Snowfall has started

Hats, Bats, Shoes, Booze
Various items like hats, bats, shoes, and alcohol are being sold by vendors

No One's Buying
No one is purchasing these items

Feel Like Crying
Feeling the urge to cry

How About A Fur- In Perfect Shape
Offering a fur coat that is in excellent condition

Owned By An MBA From Uptown
The fur coat is owned by a business professional from the Uptown area

Broken In By A Greedy Broker Who Went Broke
The fur coat was used by a greedy broker who eventually went bankrupt

You Don't Have To Do This
Trying to dissuade someone from doing something

Hush Your Mouth, It's Christmas
Telling someone to be quiet because it's Christmas

I Do Not Deserve You, Angel
Feeling unworthy of someone named Angel

Give - Give
To give selflessly

All You Do Is Give
The person being addressed is always giving

Give Me Some Way To Show How You've Touched Me So
Requesting a way to express how deeply touched they are

Wait - What's On The Floor?
Questioning what is on the floor

Let's See Some More
Expressing the desire to see more of what is on the floor

Kiss Me - It's Beginning To Snow
Asking for a kiss because it's starting to snow

... She Said, 'Would You Light My Candle'
Referring to a previous interaction where someone asked for their candle to be lit

And She Put On A Pout
She made a sad face

And She Wanted You To Take Her Out Tonight?
She asked someone to take her out on a date

She Got You Out!
She succeeded in getting someone out

She Was More Than Okay
She was more than just okay

But I Pushed Her Away
They pushed her away

It Was Bad - I Got Mad
The situation turned bad and they became angry

And I Had To Get Her Out Of My Sight
They felt the need to remove her from their presence

Wait, Wait Wait - You Said She Was Sweet
Expressing surprise over the previous description of her being sweet

Let's Go Eat I'll Just Get Fat
Suggesting going out to eat and acknowledging that it will cause them to gain weight

There - That's Her
Pointing out the person they were previously referring to

Maureen?
Asking if the person they see is Maureen

Mimi!
Realizing that the person they see is Mimi

I Should Go
Deciding to leave

Hey - It's Beginning To Snow
Noticing that it's starting to snow

I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas
They are dreaming of a Christmas with snow

Follow The Man - Follow The Man With His Pockets Full Of The Jam
Urging others to follow the man who has money

Help Me Out, Daddy If You Can
Requesting help from someone they refer to as Daddy

Got Any D Man?
Asking if someone has any drugs

I'm Cool
Stating that they are doing fine

Got Any C Man
Asking if someone has any cocaine

Got Any X Any Smack Any Horse Any Jugie Boogie Boy Any Blow?
Asking if someone has any drugs like ecstasy, heroin, cocaine, etc.

Hey
Getting someone's attention

I Just Want To Say I'm Sorry For The Way --
Apologizing for their previous behavior

Forget It
Dismissing the apology and asking them to forget about it

I Blew Up
They got angry and overreacted

Can I Make It Up To You?
Asking if there's a way to make amends

How?
Questioning how they can make it up to them

Dinner Party?
Suggesting having a dinner party as a way to make amends

That'll Do
Agreeing that a dinner party is sufficient

Hey Lover Boy - Cutie Pie
Referring to someone as a lover boy and cutie pie

You Steal My Client - You Die
Threatening someone who stole their client

You Didn't Miss Me - You Won't Miss Her
Claiming that the person they miss won't be missed by someone else

You'll Never Lack For Customers
Assuring them that they will always have customers

I'm Willin' I'm Illin'
They are willing to do something but also feeling unwell

Gotta Get My Sickness Off Gotta Run, Gotta Ride Gotta Gun, Gotta Hide -- Gotta Go
Feeling the need to rid themselves of their sickness and quickly leave

And It's Beginning To Snow
Snowfall is starting

Wish Me Luck Alison - The Protest Is On
Asking for luck before participating in a protest

L. L. Bean, Geoffrey Beene Burburry Zip Out
Various items of clothing brands being sold

Got Any B Man Got Any Crack Got Any X
Asking if someone has any drugs like crack or ecstasy

Mark, This Is Mimi - Hi
Introducing Mimi to Mark

She's Be Dining - (With Us)
Stating that Mimi will be eating with them

Here's A New Arrival
Presenting a new product for sale

That Is An Ounce
Referring to a specific measurement of something, likely drugs

Twenty Five
The price of the item is twenty-five

Fifteen
The price of the item is fifteen

Seventeen
The price of the item is seventeen

Not Today Twenty Three
The item is not available today and is priced at twenty-three