Wells' success in the 1950s and 1960s was so enormous that she still ranks as the sixth most successful female vocalist in the history of the Billboard country charts according to historian Joel Whitburn's book "The Top 40 Country Hits", behind Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, Tammy Wynette, and Tanya Tucker. Wells was the third country music artist, behind Roy Acuff and Hank Williams, to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991 as well as being the seventh woman and first Caucasian woman to receive the honor. In 1976, she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Ole Kris Kringle
Kitty Wells Lyrics
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(Doo-doodle-ooo-doodle-ooo)
Ole Kris Kringle comes jing-jing-jinglin'
Jing-jing-jinglin' along
Well Christmas time is coming around
And I know it won't be long
For I saw him uptown last night
He was walkin' along, hummin' a song
And I think he was doin' the twist
There's a little old man that lives up there
In the land of the North Pole
He comes around on Christmas time
With a great big "HO-HO-HO"
He's got a sleigh and eight reindeer
With bells that jangle-jingle
Some people call him Santa Claus
And others Ole Kris Kringle
(Ho-Ho-Ho-Ho)
Ole Kris Kringle comes jing-jing-jinglin'
Jing-jing-jinglin' along
Well Christmas time is coming around
And I know it won't be long
For I saw him uptown last night
And he was checkin' his list
He was walkin' along, hummin' a song
And I think he was doin' the twist
He's got his reindeer all lined up
And they're just waitin' the word
There's one little fella who goes up front
Who's the leader of the herd
I've been told why he goes up front
He's showing them where to go
I've heard it said why he's ahead
He's got a little red nose
(Ho-Ho-Ho-Ho)
Ole Kris Kringle comes jing-jing-jinglin'
Jing-jing-jinglin' along
Well Christmas time is coming around
And I know it won't be long
For I saw him uptown last night
And he was checkin' his list
He was walkin' along, hummin' a song
And I think he was doin' the twist
(Ho-Ho-Ho, Ho-Ho-Ho)
The song "Ole Kris Kringle" by Kitty Wells is a playful tribute to Santa Claus, whom she refers to by his many names including Ole Kris Kringle. The song captures the excitement of Christmas time as the singer sees Santa Claus uptown checking his list and getting ready for his yearly ride. The catchy chorus of "Jing-jing-jingling" and "Ho-Ho-Ho" adds to the upbeat tempo of the song.
Wells superbly describes Santa Claus as a little old man who lives in the North Pole and comes around on Christmas time with his sleigh and eight reindeers. She mentions Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer and his position as the leader of the herd. The singer talks about how Rudolph guides Santa's sleigh by showing the rest of his team where to go. The reference to the twist dance move in the second verse shows how Santa Claus indulges in a bit of fun and is not just all work during the holiday season.
Overall, "Ole Kris Kringle" by Kitty Wells is a joyful song that captures the charm and magic of Christmas and Santa Claus.
Line by Line Meaning
Ole Kris Kringle comes jing-jing-jinglin'
Santa Claus is on his way riding the sleigh with eight reindeer, and he's making a jingling sound.
Jing-jing-jinglin' along
The sound of the bells is loud and clear as he moves along the way.
Well Christmas time is coming around
Christmas is just around the corner.
And I know it won't be long
It will happen shortly.
For I saw him uptown last night
I saw Santa last night in the city.
And he was checkin' his list
Santa was making sure who was naughty or nice.
He was walkin' along, hummin' a song
Santa enjoys walking and sings a melody while roaming around.
And I think he was doin' the twist
The artist believes Santa's moves include some twist when he walks and hums.
There's a little old man that lives up there
A small old man lives in the North Pole.
In the land of the North Pole
In the region located on the top of the Earth.
He comes around on Christmas time
Santa comes during the holiday season.
With a great big "HO-HO-HO"
One of the classic phrases that Santa uses to greet people.
He's got a sleigh and eight reindeer
Santa uses a sled pulled by eight reindeer to carry his presents around the world.
With bells that jangle-jingle
The bells attached to the reins of the reindeer make a delightful sound.
Some people call him Santa Claus
Different people have different names for the same person.
And others Ole Kris Kringle
Some people also know him as Kris Kringle.
He's got his reindeer all lined up
The reindeers are standing in a row getting ready to pull the sleigh.
And they're just waitin' the word
The reindeer are waiting for the signal to start moving.
There's one little fella who goes upfront
One of the small reindeer stands at the front of the sled.
Who's the leader of the herd
This special and small reindeer is leading the group of Santa's helper reindeer.
I've been told why he goes up front
The artist has been told the reason this little guy is the leader of the pack.
He's showing them where to go
The little fella is helping the other reindeers find the right direction to fly.
I've heard it said why he's ahead
The singer had heard the reason why the little reindeer is upfront.
He's got a little red nose
This special, small reindeer would be recognized for having a bright, ruby-red nose.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROY BOTKIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind