With their smooth three part harmonies, collegiate appeal, and trademark striped shirts The Kingston Trio single-handedly revolutionized folk and pop music in America. Between the years of 1957-1967, Bob Shane, Nick Reynolds, and Dave Guard (who in 1961 was replaced by John Stewart), created a musical legacy that no other folk group has equalled or surpassed. The Kingston Trio has never failed to leave audiences energized and begging for more.
Until the advent of the Beatles in 1964, The Kingston Trio ruled the pop charts. They were the first act to sell more LP records than singles, placing 14 of their LP records in the "Top 10." One of those top ten made it to #1, redefining the group forever. The song that earned the Trio their first Grammy and catapulted them into the spotlight, was the legendary folk tune, "Tom Dooley." With the American public's desire to hear more music of the same kind, the folk era had been ushered into the limelight, leaving label exec's scrambling to imitate the Trio's distinct sound. Before long, the world was itching to hear the Trio live and be a part of their unparalled success.
Despite the Trio's immense popularity, today most of the Kingston Trio albums available on CD are compilations of the group's greatest hits. However, Folk Era Records has released one never before heard Kingston Trio album -"An Evening With The Kingston Trio," and re-issued two of the Trio's last three studio albums, "Stay Awhile" and "Children Of The Morning," to which eight of the twelve songs found on the third original LP "Something Else" have been added.
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Kingston Trio Lyrics
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[Chorus]
We wish you a merry Christmas. (Repeat twice)
And a happy new year.
We want some figgy pudding. (Repeat twice)
And a cup of good cheer.
We won't go until we get some. (Repeat twice)
So bring it out here.
Of friendship and love, good neighbors abound and peace and good will the whole year around.
Why can't we have Christmas the whole year around? (Repeat this line then the chorus, twice)
The Kingston Trio's version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is a holiday classic that sends an uplifting message of unity, joy, and goodwill. The song encourages people to share their love and friendship with neighbors and to spread cheer with delicious treats. The first verse highlights the importance of visiting neighbors during Christmastime and singing this sentimental tune. The following three choruses provide a cheery message of a happy new year and well wishes for everyone.
The second verse particularly emphasizes the desire for "figgy pudding" and "good cheer." The chorus repeats twice in a light and catchy manner. The final verse suggests that peace and goodwill should extend throughout the year and not just during the holiday season. The Kingston Trio's interpretation of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" has become a beloved holiday classic and encourages listeners to share their love and joy with others, not just during the holiday season but throughout the year.
Line by Line Meaning
Once in a year it is not thought amiss to visit our neighbors and sing out like this:
It's acceptable to go visit our neighbors and sing a song like this once a year.
We wish you a merry Christmas.
We hope you have a joyful Christmas.
And a happy new year.
And a great upcoming year.
We want some figgy pudding.
We would like to have some figgy pudding.
And a cup of good cheer.
We'd also love to have a cup of something to cheer about.
We won't go until we get some. So bring it out here.
We're not leaving until we get some pudding, so please bring it to us now.
Of friendship and love, good neighbors abound and peace and good will the whole year around.
There are good neighbors all year round who foster friendship and love, and peace and goodwill.
Why can't we have Christmas the whole year around?
We wish we could have the joy of Christmas every day.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN SCOTT BENNETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind