CHRISTMAS
Kanye West Lyrics


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Christmas in Harlem
Right after autumn falls
Soakin' it all in
Then we go hit the mall
Even though we ain't ballin'
Feels like we bought it all
The mistletoe's right here
Come give a kiss to Santa Claus

Merry Christmas to all, and all a good night
Huh, now we all livin' the good life
Yeah, though it's forty below the wind chill
And we wipin' snow up off the windshield
It's still, wonderful night to be alive, baby
And I'm, so happy I'm with my baby
And we a little late with the Christmas gifts
Rushin' for the mall, don't trip, you know I drive crazy
The streets lit up, it feel like Christmas officially
Told her that "You the star at the top of my Christmas tree"
My only question is, "Where my presents?"
She said, "Shhh" she got a gift for me that ain't for the kids to see
Well, I like the way you think, mami
Now pour some more eggnog in you drink, mami
You've been a bad girl, give Santa three kisses
Gave her the hot chocolate, she said "It's Dee-ricious"

Christmas in Harlem
Right after autumn falls
Soakin' it all in
Then we go hit the mall
Even though we ain't ballin'
Feels like we bought it all
The mistletoe's right here
Come give a kiss to Santa Claus




And I remember when I couldn't play Santa Claus
No reindeer's, just horses and a Panamera Porcshe
We on two fifth shopping, what the damage cost
I got your fam' while you bidding in the can up north
Woops, I'm at Niemens I hope they still got em
You want the thigh high spikes with the red bottoms
Let's make a toast cause Christ is born
We gon' party all night til the lights come on

Christmas in Harlem
Right after autumn falls
Soakin' it all in
Then we go hit the mall
Even though we ain't ballin'
Feels like we bought it all
The mistletoe's right here
Come give a kiss to Santa Claus

Yeah, mom and dad I won't be home for the holidays
I'm over 800 miles away
In the city that's so pretty
Where the hustlers dash through the snow without a sleigh
Tell my family that I'm sorry that I gotta stay
I'm with Ye at the Macy Day parade
Letting the snow fall on my aviator shades
Even though I'm in New York I'm still reppin' for the A

Christmas in Harlem
Right after autumn falls
Soakin' it all in
Then we go hit the mall
Even though we ain't ballin'
Feels like we bought it all
The mistletoe's right here
Come give a kiss to Santa Claus

On the stoop of that Brownstone shoveling the brownstone
Santa's on a diet, gotta get the pounds gone
Down town got me feeling like it's Dow Jones
But uptown got me feeling like it's down home
Snow like sugar hill
Chains on wheels
We turn our two doors into snowmobiles
We got our own style, no Soho feel
Put on your play clothes, how that logo feel?

Oh, pause for them photo stills
You don't wanna miss a moment
Where's your NoDoz pills
I caught her looking at my Rollie as my mojo spills
Snowflakey on the bezel
Hope you know those real
Okay my white girl Veronica
Black girl Monica
Got me celebrating ChristmaHanuKwanzaakah
Rocking dashikis with a yarmulke
Where the Christmas tree at? Let's design it up!

Christmas in Harlem
Right after autumn falls
Soakin' it all in
Then we go hit the mall
Even though we ain't ballin'
Feels like we bought it all
The mistletoe's right here
Come give a kiss to Santa Claus

Lenox Ave to Saint Nick
Never seen St Nick
Just niggas selling the same nicks, the same bricks
Same hustlers running up the broadway
That's where the snow's at, taste it, foreplay
No turkey or greens, just Jimbo's
Christmas lights in project windows
Shouts to the coldest on my barometer
Berkman, Shapiro, Kalina, Hanukkah (My lawyers)

All the flashin' lights up on a tree
The house lit up ni-ice
Wit' your family's where you wanna be
Here on Christmas night
When you wake up and you see the gifts
Don't that make you feel go-ood?
So since we all snowed in in Harlem
Let's have Christmas in the hoo-hood

All of the flashin' lights
Yeah, when they shine so bright
Always for you and me
Baby, you're Christmas Eve
If you like what you see
Won't you come sit on my knee?
Tell me everything that you want
'Cause, baby, I'm your Santa Claus

Christmas in Harlem
Right after autumn falls
Soakin' it all in
Then we go hit the mall
Even though we ain't ballin'
Feels like we bought it all
The mistletoe's right here
Come give a kiss to Santa Claus

Overall Meaning

Kanye West's "Christmas in Harlem" is a festive song about experiencing the holiday season in New York City. The opening verse talks about the transition from autumn to winter and the excitement of shopping at the mall, even if the singer can't afford everything they want. The chorus is an invitation to kiss Santa Claus under the mistletoe, and the rest of the song describes various scenes and experiences of Christmas in Harlem.


The song is primarily about enjoying the holiday season, being with loved ones, and celebrating life's blessings. Even though it may be cold outside, the singer feels grateful and happy to be alive. They may be behind on their Christmas shopping or have other obligations, but they are still able to find joy in the season.


Some of the verses are more specific, like mentions of Christmas lights in project windows or shopping at Nieman Marcus. The last verse name checks specific lawyers and celebrates the diversity of holiday celebrations in Harlem, from Christmas to Hanukkah.


Overall, "Christmas in Harlem" is a feel-good song that celebrates the holiday season and finding joy in small moments. It's a reminder that even if you don't have everything you want, you can still appreciate what you have and the people you love.


Line by Line Meaning

Christmas in Harlem
Celebrating Christmas in the neighborhood of Harlem


Right after autumn falls
Immediately after the season of autumn


Soakin' it all in
Enjoying and appreciating the atmosphere and festivities


Then we go hit the mall
Visiting the shopping mall


Even though we ain't ballin'
Although we don't have a lot of money


Feels like we bought it all
Feels like we have purchased everything


The mistletoe's right here
The mistletoe is present and ready for kissing


Come give a kiss to Santa Claus
Come and participate in the holiday tradition of kissing Santa Claus under the mistletoe


Merry Christmas to all, and all a good night
Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas and a good night


Huh, now we all livin' the good life
Currently, we are all experiencing a happy and fulfilling life


Yeah, though it's forty below the wind chill
Even though the temperature feels freezing


And we wipin' snow up off the windshield
Removing snow from the car windshield


It's still, wonderful night to be alive, baby
Despite the cold weather, it is still a fantastic and precious night to be alive


And I'm, so happy I'm with my baby
I am extremely delighted to be with my significant other


And we a little late with the Christmas gifts
We are running a bit behind schedule with our gift-giving


Rushin' for the mall, don't trip, you know I drive crazy
Hastily heading to the mall, don't worry, I have a tendency to drive recklessly


The streets lit up, it feel like Christmas officially
The illuminated streets create an official Christmas atmosphere


Told her that 'You the star at the top of my Christmas tree'
Expressing to her that she is the most important and cherished part of his Christmas


My only question is, 'Where my presents?'
Playfully asking where his gifts are


She said, 'Shhh' she got a gift for me that ain't for the kids to see
She reveals that she has a special gift for him that should remain private


Well, I like the way you think, mami
Expressing admiration for her thoughts and ideas


Now pour some more eggnog in your drink, mami
Suggesting to add more eggnog to her drink


You've been a bad girl, give Santa three kisses
Playfully referring to her as a naughty girl and requesting three kisses from her


Gave her the hot chocolate, she said 'It's Dee-ricious'
Offered her hot chocolate and she expressed how delicious it is


And I remember when I couldn't play Santa Claus
Reflecting on a time when he couldn't fulfill the role of Santa Claus


No reindeer's, just horses and a Panamera Porsche
Instead of reindeer, there were only horses and a luxury car


We on two fifth shopping, what the damage cost
Engaging in shopping on Fifth Avenue and wondering about the expenses


I got your fam' while you bidding in the can up north
Taking care of your family while you are incarcerated in prison


Whoops, I'm at Niemens I hope they still got 'em
Accidentally ending up at Nieman Marcus and hoping they still have the desired items


You want the thigh high spikes with the red bottoms
Referring to a specific pair of fashionable boots with red soles


Let's make a toast 'cause Christ is born
Proposing a toast to celebrate the birth of Christ


We gon' party all night 'til the lights come on
Planning to party until the lights are turned off


Yeah, mom and dad I won't be home for the holidays
Informing mom and dad that he won't be able to come home for the holiday season


I'm over 800 miles away
Currently, he is more than 800 miles away from home


In the city that's so pretty
Being in a beautiful city


Where the hustlers dash through the snow without a sleigh
Describing the city as a place where hustlers move swiftly through the snow without a traditional sleigh


Tell my family that I'm sorry that I gotta stay
Sending apologies to his family for not being able to be with them


I'm with Ye at the Macy Day parade
Spending time with Kanye West at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade


Letting the snow fall on my aviator shades
Allowing the snow to gently land on his aviator sunglasses


Even though I'm in New York I'm still reppin' for the A
Despite being in New York, he is still representing and showing loyalty to Atlanta


On the stoop of that Brownstone shoveling the brownstone
Being on the steps of a Brownstone building, removing snow


Santa's on a diet, gotta get the pounds gone
Humorously suggesting that even Santa Claus needs to lose weight


Downtown got me feelin' like it's Dow Jones
Being downtown gives a feeling of being in the financial market


But uptown got me feelin' like it's down home
Feeling a sense of familiarity and comfort in uptown Harlem


Snow like sugar hill
The snow resembles the famous Sugar Hill area in Harlem


Chains on wheels
Draping chains on the car wheels as a decorative accessory


We turn our two doors into snowmobiles
Converting their cars into makeshift snowmobiles


We got our own style, no Soho feel
Having a unique sense of style, different from Soho's trendy atmosphere


Put on your play clothes, how that logo feel?
Getting dressed in casual clothes with recognizable logos and asking how it feels


Oh, pause for them photo stills
Taking a break to pose for photographs


You don't wanna miss a moment
Encouraging someone not to miss out on any special experiences


Where's your NoDoz pills
Asking about someone's energy pills to stay awake and active


I caught her looking at my Rollie as my mojo spills
Noticing her admiring his expensive Rolex watch as he exudes confidence


Snowflakey on the bezel
Describing the diamond-like appearance of the watch's bezel


Hope you know those real
Expecting her to acknowledge the authenticity of the watch


Okay my white girl Veronica
Referring to a white girl named Veronica


Black girl Monica
Referring to a black girl named Monica


Got me celebrating ChristmaHanuKwanzaakah
Celebrating a combination of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa


Rocking dashikis with a yarmulke
Wearing traditional African dashikis along with a Jewish yarmulke


Where the Christmas tree at? Let's design it up!
Asking where the Christmas tree is located and expressing the desire to decorate it


Lenox Ave to Saint Nick
Referring to the stretch of Lenox Avenue towards Saint Nicholas Avenue


Never seen St Nick
Never actually witnessed Santa Claus


Just niggas selling the same nicks, the same bricks
People in the neighborhood involved in illegal activities, selling drugs and bricks


Same hustlers running up the broadway
The same individuals engaging in their hustling and running up and down Broadway


That's where the snow's at, taste it, foreplay
Indicating that the true winter experience can be found on Broadway and playfully suggesting tasting the snow


No turkey or greens, just Jimbo's
Not having traditional holiday meals, but instead having food from a local establishment named Jimbo's


Christmas lights in project windows
Seeing festive Christmas lights in the windows of apartment buildings


Shouts to the coldest on my barometer
Giving recognition to the coolest and most influential individuals in his life


Berkman, Shapiro, Kalina, Hanukkah (My lawyers)
Naming his Jewish lawyers as a reference to Hanukkah


All the flashin' lights up on a tree
Referring to the sparkling lights on a Christmas tree


The house lit up ni-ice
The house is creatively and impressively illuminated


Wit' your family's where you wanna be
The ideal place to be during Christmas is with your family


Here on Christmas night
Being present and celebrating on Christmas evening


When you wake up and you see the gifts
Upon waking up and discovering the presents


Don't that make you feel goo-ood?
Doesn't that bring about a feeling of joy and contentment?


So since we all snowed in in Harlem
As everyone is trapped indoors due to heavy snowfall in Harlem


Let's have Christmas in the hoo-hood
Let's celebrate Christmas within the neighborhood


All of the flashin' lights
The multitude of sparkling lights


Yeah, when they shine so bright
When these lights are brilliantly shining


Always for you and me
These lights are always meant for you and me


Baby, you're Christmas Eve
Addressing a loved one as the embodiment of Christmas Eve


If you like what you see
If you appreciate what you are witnessing


Won't you come sit on my knee?
Inviting someone to sit on his lap


Tell me everything that you want
Encouraging someone to share their desires and wishes


'Cause, baby, I'm your Santa Claus
Portraying himself as the person who can fulfill all their wishes, like Santa Claus




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Marvin Gaye, Shuggie Otis, Chauncey Hollis, Cydel Charles Young, Kanye Omari West

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@anirintrosmore.6267

00:00 Intro
00:07 BIGGER BAG feat. Adele Givens & JAY-Z
02:14 SWITZERLAND feat. Otis Redding
04:15 YETI feat. Paul McCartney & Nicki MInaj
05:52 CHRISTMAS IN PARIS feat. Lil Nas X, JAY-Z & Gene Autry
09:27 YEEZY WORKSHOP
11:18 CHIPMUNK SOUL SKIT (bonus track) feat. Alvin & The Chipmunks
12:12 WHAT IS SANTA BRINGING? (bonus track)
13:32 COZY & WARM (bonus track) feat. Marvin Gaye & Kid Cudi
15:11 SLEIGH YOU WILL (bonus track) feat. Frank Sinatra
16:47 BLUE CHRISTMAS IN HARLEM feat. Elvis Presley, Teyana Taylor & Cyhi the Prynce



All comments from YouTube:

@toastydigital

Instrumentals for this project, bonus tracks, and downloads for all of my mixes are available at patreon.com/toastydigital.

Happy holidays everyone 🍞🎅🏽

@chillvgm

BRRROOO i fucking love this tape!! 😭 Throwback to working thru the pandemic, i convinced back of house to play this around the holidays. "maybe we can make it to Christmas" had a way different meaning, it gave me hope during a hope drought (plus it just BANGS)

@soundsofspacecity

I was a store manager at Pacsun and I would play this on the store’s speakers lol no fucks given

@Johndavid1451

@@soundsofspacecity Absolute legend of a store manager.

@ASOUE

DUUUUUDEEE I used to the SAME thing. Did you live my life? I love this mixtape soooo much

@Dedeptikonbmx2023

Another resident kitchen bitch. The original has been in my back of the house Christmas playlist since it dropped. I’m definitely bumping this tomorrow. Thank you again Toasty

@fan.of.nintendo

BRO I WAS JUST BUMPING THE OG.

YEEZY'S WORKSHOP IS PEAK

@axelle0144

the saddest part about loving your mixes is that none of my friends fuck with it as much as me.

@electrotron2559

WE MAKIN IT OUT OF SANTAS WORKSHOP WITH THIS ONE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

@cyborgninjaforce

my short friend couldnt make it

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