A native of Chicago, Williams was first inspired by his uncle, renowned slide guitarist J.B. Hutto, with whom he studied as a young teen. Hutto not only taught him slide, but also introduced Williams to bass and drums. Williams' half-brother, James Young, was also a student of Hutto, and later became the bassist for the Blues Imperials. The brothers co-founded their group in the early '70s and went professional in 1975, playing at Big Duke's Blue Flame on the West Side. The gig earned them a whopping six bucks, which the group members split evenly.
In those early years, Williams worked days at a car wash while Young drove a school bus. Despite their humble start, Williams and the Blues Imperials kept performing at night and by the early '80s had developed a substantial regional following. Signing to Alligator in the mid-'80s, they released their debut album, Roughhousin', in 1986 and found themselves receiving national attention. They began playing urban clubs and festivals all over the country and eventually toured Canada, Europe and Japan. They released their second album, Chicken, Gravy & Biscuits, in 1989, and the success continued as the Blues Imperials began appearing with such artists as Koko Taylor and Elvin Bishop during the Alligator Records 20th Anniversary Tour.
They released their third album What You See is What You Get in 1992. If Ed, half-brother Pookie Young, and the latest members of the revamped Blues Imperials never did much to modernize their blues or develop a new sound, that was just fine with the band's followers ("Ed Heads," no less), to whom the raucous, rocking slide guitar heritage of Hutto, Hound Dog Taylor, and Elmore James is blues nirvana. Following their third album, the group went on hiatus for a few years during which il' Ed Williams released two albums on Earwig, 1996's Keep On Walking with Dave Weld and 1998's Who's Been Talking with Willie Kent. In 1999 the band reconvened and released Get Wild. They followed it up with Heads Up, their fifth Alligator record, in 2002. Their sixth, Rattleshake, appeared in 2006.
Christmas Time
Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Make my Christmas swell
From the top of my tree
Down to my jingle bells
Now give me some of yours
I'll give you some of mine
'Cause it's Christmas time
Don't you always look pretty
Hangin' on your Christmas tree
I don't no 'bout no one else
They sure look good to me
Give me some of yours
I'll give you some of mine
'Cause it's Christmas time
I got a big 'ol candy cane
That you'd like to lick
If you take your time
Ooh, that'll do the trick
Now give me some of yours
I'll give you some of mine
'Cause it's christmas time
Let me slide between your stockings
Check out your fireplace
I think I got a log now
That will fit right in place
Give me some of yours
I'll give you some of mine
Yeah, it's Christmas time
The lyrics to Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials's song Christmas Time may appear to be a playful and immature take on the holiday season at first glance, but there is actually a deeper meaning to them. The playful language and sexual innuendos are used to describe the joy and excitement that Christmas brings, particularly in the realm of love and romance. The singer describes how the things the object of their affections does to them make their Christmas especially special, from the top of their tree down to their "jingle bells." They express admiration for the festive decorations, particularly the ornaments that hang on the tree, and use flirtatious language to suggest an intimate encounter.
However, while the song may seem to be all about frivolous fun, it also suggests a certain level of loneliness and yearning. The singer is clearly seeking companionship during the holiday season, and is using humor and charm to make a connection with someone special. Despite the cheeky lyrics, there is an underlying message about the importance of connection and love during the holiday season, even if it is expressed in unconventional ways.
Line by Line Meaning
Things you do to me
Your actions towards me add to the cheer of the holiday season.
Make my Christmas swell
Your actions during Christmas make the holiday season all the more enjoyable and memorable for me.
From the top of my tree
Your actions and presence affect my mood and outlook from the beginning of the holiday season.
Down to my jingle bells
Your actions and presence affect even the smallest details of my enjoyment of the holiday season.
Now give me some of yours
Let me experience and partake in the joy you bring during the holiday season.
I'll give you some of mine
I am also willing to share in and contribute to the holiday cheer.
'Cause it's Christmas time
The holiday season is a time for sharing, giving, and enjoying each other's company.
Don't you always look pretty
Your appearance during the holiday season is always festive and attractive.
Hangin' on your Christmas tree
Decorations such as Christmas ornaments look especially nice when hanging on the Christmas tree.
I don't no 'bout no one else
I can't speak for anyone else, but in my opinion, your decorations look great.
They sure look good to me
I personally find your decorations to be visually pleasing and fitting for the holiday season.
I got a big 'ol candy cane
I have a large and delicious candy cane that I am willing to share.
That you'd like to lick
I imagine you would enjoy the taste of the candy cane and am willing to offer it to you.
If you take your time
If you savor the candy cane slowly, it will provide maximum enjoyment.
Ooh, that'll do the trick
The candy cane will provide the sweetness and pleasure that you desire.
Let me slide between your stockings
I would like to appreciate the festive stockings you have displayed by taking a closer look at them.
Check out your fireplace
I am admiring the cozy and warm atmosphere created by the fireplace in your home during the holiday season.
I think I got a log now
I have found a firewood log to add to your fireplace.
That will fit right in place
The log I found will be a good match for the ones already in your fireplace and will burn steadily and evenly.
Yeah, it's Christmas time
The holiday season is a time for sharing joy, warmth, and togetherness with one another.
Writer(s): JAMES YOUNG BLUES, BRUCE IGLAUER, ED WILLIAMS
Contributed by Bailey D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.