Born in Kingston, Jamaica, 21 July 1965 and starting recording in early 90s… Read Full Bio ↴Born in Kingston, Jamaica, 21 July 1965 and starting recording in early 90s, Michael T. Johnson aka Mikey Spice belong to the third generation of Jamaican reggae singers. His lyrics are mostly about love and the reggae style is mostly lovers rock, similar to artists like Sanchez and Peter Hunnigale. 'Walk A Mile' is one of his most popular songs. He started in late 80s singing with different reggae bands. A successful performance at 1993's Reggae Sunsplash sparked his Ras Records debut, Happiness (1995). His latest album, I Am I Said, was released 2014.

He began singing in his father's church at age seven. He then learned guitar, bass, drums, trumpet, piano, saxophone, flute, harp and clarinet before age 13.

The Christmas Song
Mikey Spice Lyrics

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Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
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
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow

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!

Overall Meaning

Mikey Spice's rendition of "The Christmas Song" paints a picturesque scene of the holiday season. The opening line "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire," conjures up the smell of roasted chestnuts and the warmth of a cozy fire on a cold winter day. The image is further accentuated by "Jack Frost nipping at your nose," indicating the chill in the air.

The following line "Yuletide carols being sung by a choir," references the tradition of caroling as a means of spreading cheer during the holidays. Additionally, the line "And folks dressed up like Eskimos," suggests a snow-covered landscape and the need for warm, layered clothing during the winter months.

The second verse shifts focus to the excitement that children commonly feel during Christmas time. The use of "Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow," invokes the image of wide-eyed wonder and anticipation for presents and the arrival of Santa Claus. The mention of Santa's loaded sleigh and his reindeer's supposed ability to fly adds to the magical and fantastical feeling of the holiday season.

The final stanza concludes with a simple but heartfelt message of well wishes for all, "Merry Christmas to you!" The song celebrates the familiar symbols and customs of Christmas while also acknowledging the joy it brings to people of all ages.

Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
As the chestnuts sizzle and crackle on an open fire, it creates a warm, comforting atmosphere that brings people together.

Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The cold winter air is biting and frosty, leaving a chill on our noses and reminding us of the season.

Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
As the melodious carols float through the air, our hearts are lifted and we feel the joy of the season.

And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
To survive the chilly weather, people dress up warmly in layers like Eskimos, which is a fun, cozy way to experience the season.

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Certain things have become iconic symbols of Christmas, such as the turkey and the mistletoe, that add a festive touch to the holiday.

Help to make the season bright
These symbols and traditions brighten up the season with their color and cheer, making it a special time of year.

Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children are filled with delight and wide-eyed wonder during Christmas, experiencing the magic of the holiday in a way that adults can sometimes forget.

Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
With all the excitement and anticipation of Christmas, children may find it difficult to settle down and fall asleep, eagerly waiting for morning to arrive.

They know that Santa's on his way
One of the most beloved figures of Christmas is Santa Claus, who represents generosity, kindness, and the spirit of giving.

He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa spends his time creating joy and wonder for children by delivering gifts and surprises on his magical sleigh.

And every mother's child is gonna spy
Children love to catch a glimpse of Santa delivering gifts, gleefully peering out their windows in hopes of catching a glimpse of his sleigh.

To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
Reindeer are another beloved symbol of Christmas, and children are fascinated by the notion of them magically taking flight and helping Santa deliver gifts around the world.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
With all the trappings and traditions of Christmas, it's easy to get lost in the chaos, so I'm offering a simple message of peace and love to all.

To kids from one to ninety-two
This message of hope is for everyone, regardless of age, reminding us that the spirit of Christmas is one of generosity, love, and compassion.

Although it's been said many times, many ways
This message of Merry Christmas has been shared countless times throughout the years, but its sentiment remains as powerful as ever.

Merry Christmas to you!
In the end, Christmas is all about wishing others joy, peace, and love, and there is no better way to express that than by saying 'Merry Christmas to you!'

Lyrics © Ceylon Records, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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