After finishing high school, Kem dealt with homelessness, addiction, and isolation from his family. He did not overcome these issues until he turned to spirituality and music, as he has said, "My career didn't take off until I connected with my spirituality. That's why I take time on stage and on the album to administer spirituality to people. That's one of the things that I am most proud of." He has also stated that he does not create music marketed to the mainstream hip-hop-dominated R&B crowd but to people who enjoy his soul/jazz adult contemporary sound and lyrical content. He wrote, produced, and financed his self-released debut album, Kemistry, by singing in a wedding band and waiting tables. He was later signed by Motown Records, who re-released the album on February 25, 2003. The album's first single, "Love Calls", became a hit at urban adult contemporary and smooth jazz radio. He followed his debut release with a sophomore album, Album II, released May 17, 2005. It included the hit single "I Can't Stop Loving You", a #1 at urban adult contemporary radio, and the song "You Might Win" featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica.
The Christmas Song
Kem Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide 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
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 to you.
Kem's The Christmas Song is a classic holiday tune that paints a vivid picture of the warm and cozy feelings that come with the season. The opening lines are a heartfelt description of a holiday scene complete with chestnuts roasting on an open fire, the chill of winter in the air, and the sweet sound of Christmas carols sung by a choir. The image is complete with people dressed up in warm clothing, perhaps like Eskimos, as they soak in the holiday spirit.
The second stanza brings to mind the classic symbols of the season by mentioning a turkey and mistletoe. Kem sets the tone for the season by proclaiming that these things help make the season bright. He then shifts our focus to the children with their innocent and awestruck eyes, who struggle to contain their excitement as they await the arrival of Santa and all the wonder he brings. The anticipation and joy of children during the holiday season is a staple of this time of year.
Lastly, Kem offers up a simple message of goodwill to all by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. The phrase is familiar, but in Kem's delivery, it feels different as it is offered as a humble and earnest statement, delivered from one human to another. The message is universal, irrespective of age or background, extending beyond the holiday season to embody a spirit of hope, joy, and love that everyone can share.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The warmth of the fire and the roasting chestnuts signify the comforting and homely feeling of the Christmas season.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The cold weather and frosty air is a reminder that winter has arrived and Christmas is just around the corner.
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The sound of carolers singing traditional Christmas songs reminds us of the joyous and spiritual aspects of the holiday season.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People wearing warm, cozy clothes, like Eskimos do, highlights the importance of staying warm during the cold winter months.
Everybody knows a turkey
Cooking and serving a turkey is a widespread tradition during the Christmas season.
And some mistletoe
Mistletoe is a symbol of love and affection, and it's a common decoration during the holiday season.
Help to make the season bright
These traditional symbols of Christmas help to brighten up the season and bring a sense of joy and happiness to our lives.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children's excitement and wonder during Christmas, symbolized by their sparkling eyes, is one of the most magical aspects of the season.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
Children often struggle to fall asleep on Christmas Eve due to their anticipation and eagerness to see Santa Claus.
They know that Santa's on his way
The arrival of Santa Claus is highly anticipated by children, symbolizing the joy of gift-giving and the magic of Christmas.
He's loaded lots of toys
Santa Claus is known for bringing joy and toys to children all around the world during Christmas.
And goodies on his sleigh
In addition to toys, Santa brings sweets and treats, which symbolize the indulgences and pleasures of the holiday season.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Children are constantly on the lookout for Santa Claus, creating an atmosphere of wonder and delight during Christmas Eve.
To see if reindeer
Reindeer are a symbol of Christmas and are highly associated with Santa Claus and his sleigh.
Really know how to fly.
The magic of Christmas is emphasized by the idea of flying reindeer, which are a symbol of the supernatural powers associated with the holiday season.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
The singer is presenting a simple and heartfelt message to all: Merry Christmas!
To kids from one to ninety-two
This message is meant for everyone, young and old, reflecting the universality and inclusivity of the Christmas season.
Although it's been said
While this message may be a common one during Christmas, it still holds great importance and significance.
Many times, many ways
The message of Merry Christmas is conveyed in many different ways and through many different traditions and rituals around the world.
Merry Christmas to you.
The singer wishes everyone a joyful and Merry Christmas, embodying the spirit and generosity of the holiday season.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BENJAMIN VISCHAL THAPA, FRANZ XAVER GRUBER, JONATHAN MARK ANSELL, MATTHEW WILLIAM STIFF, MICHAEL CHRISTIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
iDalisMediaTV
His voice is incredible it just goes right to your heart.:)
greg deanda
What a generous song and musician. A breath of fresh air.
B Glover
This type of music will never die and it is needed. Happy Holiday's and Merry Christmas to all. Thank you, Kem.
Brenda Dixon
This is my. first time hearing this my friend introduced it to me just wonderful love over again
Dorothy Sheppard
This song just reminds me of how loving someone is so "special"! Happy Holidays to all! Keep singing Kem ❤️!
Roseivy Pittman
Wow! Kem’s beautiful voice and what a beautiful voice he has. Absolutely precious! Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁
Camilla Roker
Kem is a blessing for all to hear...makes me want to shout jesus jesus jesus. Thanks for using him as a vessel
Pamela Williams
Beautiful Song. Thank You Kem
SHISHI IS THE #BLACKKAT and #PETTYBETTY too
Kem is so awesome ... love the lyrics,music and his voice!
Venis Strong
I don't understand how this beautiful Christmas song has eluded me, until this holiday season..thank you Kem!!