Christmas Night In Harlem
Louis Armstrong & The Benny Carter Orchestra Lyrics

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, glory, Halle
The song opens with joyous exclamations, acknowledging the festive atmosphere that's present.

What's all that noise?
Someone in the room is startled by the loud noise of the musicians getting ready to play music.

Don't give up with that now
The singer urges the other person to keep playing music and not stop.

Who's that over in the corner?
The singer asks who is sitting in the corner of the room.

I believe that's Mr. Teagarden
The singer recognizes the person sitting in the corner as Mr. Teagarden.

Hey what you doin' up there, man?
The singer notices someone playing music up high and asks what they are doing.

Last time I saw you You were sayin' fare thee well to Harlem I done bin wise g'wine An' I ain't g'wine there n'more
The singer mentions Mr. Teagarden had left Harlem, but it seems like he has returned. The singer also mentions having moved on from going to Harlem.

You sho' come back the right time It's Christmas up here What d'ya mean up here?
The singer points out that Mr. Teagarden is back in Harlem at the right time, just in time for Christmas. When Mr. Teagarden asks about 'up here,' the other person explains that Christmas time is celebrated everywhere.

Yeah, but it ain't all Christmas Like it's Christmas in Harlem No
The other person says that even though Christmas is celebrated everywhere, it's not the same as the way it's celebrated in Harlem.

Ev'ry gal struttin' with her beau Through the streets covered white with snow Happy smiles er'ywhere you go Christmas night in Harlem
The singer paints a picture of the streets of Harlem on Christmas night, where people are walking around hand in hand, happy and smiling, enjoying the snow.

Black and tans feelin' mighty good In that old colored neighborhood Here and now be it understood Christmas night in Harlem
The singer sings about people of different races and backgrounds coming together and feeling happy and content in Harlem during Christmas.

Ev'ryone is gonna sit up Until after three Ev'ryone will be all lit up Like a Christmas tree
The singer notes that people will stay up late, partying and enjoying themselves until the wee hours of the night, and will be as bright and sparkling as a Christmas tree.

Come on now ev'ry coal black Joe You just lead me t'the mistletoe With a kiss and a hi de ho Christmas night in Harlem
The singer invites everyone to come closer and join the festivities, giving kisses and wishing merriness to all.

What'd Santa Claus leave in your stockin'? Let me see, there's an orange, a jar? And, man, look at this slide trombone Yeah, but it might not sound so pretty Let me hear you tune it
The singer and another person converse about the gifts they received from Santa Claus, checking the contents of their stockings. The other person shows off a new trombone, and the singer asks to hear it, maybe to put everyone in the mood for some Christmas tunes.

Mr. Mercer, I'm glad to be back in this festivity Ah, you said it Mr. T It's Christmas night in Harlem Well it's Christmas night in Harlem Man, you drew the ?
The singer expresses happiness at being at the party while Mr. Mercer agrees with him. They both acknowledge that it's Christmas night in Harlem. The last word on the page is cut off, so it's unknown what the singer is trying to say.