The Christmas Song
Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide 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
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 reindeers 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
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
The Christmas Song, also known as Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, is a classic Christmas tune that captures the essence of the winter holiday season in its lyrics. The opening lines of the song, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose," create an image of coziness and warmth as people gather around the fire to roast chestnuts and enjoy each other's company. Furthermore, the mention of Jack Frost, a personification of winter, adds to the festive atmosphere of the song.
The following lines, "Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, And folks dressed up like Eskimos," depict the communal aspect of Christmas, where people come together to celebrate and spread joy. The reference to the choir and the traditional singing of carols highlights the religious aspect of Christmas, but the mention of folks dressed up like Eskimos also celebrates cultural and regional differences, showing how Christmas is an inclusive holiday for all.
The second verse of the song refers to the typical Christmas scene of a turkey and mistletoe, and how they help to make the season bright. The third line speaks to the magic of Christmas, where "Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow" marvel at the wonder of the holiday. The mention of Santa Claus and his sleigh filled with toys and goodies is a reminder of the tradition of gift-giving during Christmas, and the final lines of the verse capture the excitement and anticipation of children waiting for Christmas morning.
The final verse of the song repeats the title of the song and offers a simple phrase of well-wishes for everyone, regardless of age. The repetition of "Merry Christmas to you" is a celebratory reminder of the essence of the winter holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Imagine the comfort of roasting chestnuts on an inner fire, which resonates so positively in your being, like a warm hug from a good old friend.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Feel the crisp, invigorating air of the winter season that tickles your nose and makes you feel alive.
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
Listen to the beautiful carols sung by a choir that fill your heart with joy, and allow you to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the season.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
People are bundled up in their warmest clothes, adding a unique and fascinating charm to the seasonal experience.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Thanksgiving leftovers and traditional mistletoe decor have become synonymous with the holiday season, creating a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Help to make the season bright
These familiar holiday symbols brighten up the season, reminding us of the joy and love that surrounds us.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children are the purest embodiment of the magic of Christmas, filled with wonder and excitement.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
Their excitement is so intense that they will find it hard to calm down and sleep, even though it is late at night.
They know that Santa's on his way
The children are excited for Santa Claus to arrive, knowing that he will bring them presents and joy.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa Claus brings gifts and treats for all those who have been good throughout the year.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
All children, regardless of their background, look forward to catching a glimpse of Santa's sleigh and reindeer in the night sky.
To see if reindeers really know how to fly
It is a magical moment to see the reindeer fly, adding more charm and wonder to the already enchanting holiday season.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
As a sign of gratitude and appreciation for the holiday spirit, I am offering this simple phrase.
To kids from one to ninety-two
This message is meant for everyone, regardless of age, to bring joy and love into their hearts.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
This message is one that has been repeated many times, but its significance never diminishes.
Merry Christmas to you
May the spirit of Christmas bring joy, love, and peace to you and your loved ones.
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MarkBlackburnWPG
Should old acquaintance be forgot . . . Came here to share a reminiscence about an arranger you may not have heard of, who specialized in Christmas music and found this -- maybe the finest example of his work. Just learned that โBob Krogstadโ a brilliant, lesser-known composer/arranger I had admired for decades, died four years ago in a Springfield Missouri hospital, age 64. An online bio (no Wiki entry) brought back memories that,
"Mr. Krogstad served for a time as musical director for both Natalie Cole and Mel Torme" [and conducted Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra musicians on Mel's final concert appearance in our city.] He's listed in liner notes as arranger on Natalie Cole's second Christmas album for Hallmark Cards which has always employed London Symphony/Philharmonic musicians (arguably the best available for recordings) by the world's greatest singers.
The shuffle play miracle that is YouTube sent this one my way today: Natalie & Nat Cole with their studio-engineered 'duet' of Mel Torme's โThe Christmas Songโ (Chestnuts Roasting).
Since you can Google for anything now and get instant answers, my question of a moment ago: โWho arranged those London Symphony musicians?โ โ which led right back to โBob Krogstadโ and his short obituary.
Listen to the joyous outburst in three-quarter-time that Mr. Krogstad creates as an instrumental bridge supplementing the early Nelson Riddle arrangement of Nat's first (orchestral) version, circa 1961. So uplifting!
[His Missouri obit reads in part]
----
Bob Krogstad passed away on April 10, 2015 in Cox South Hospital in Springfield Missouri. He was 64.
Bob studied piano and music composition at MSU. He was a well-respected figure in the music business as a composer, arranger and conductor, both in sacred and secular music. He was known as "Mr. Christmas" because of his beautiful arrangements of Christmas music.
'He served as musical director for both Natalie Cole and Mel Torme, for whom he has conducted over thirty symphony orchestras across North America and Europe, including those of Dallas, St. Louis, Atlanta, San Francisco, Winnipeg, Detroit and Houston, as well as the National Symphony, the Utah Symphony, the Minnesota Orchestra and the Orchestre Suisse Romande (Geneva). When he wasn't touring, he enjoyed writing his latest compositions in the warm, sunny climate of Scottsdale, Arizona.
Thanks "ChristmasTimeTV" for sharing. Celebrated at Sinatra Family -- Forum -- "Siriusly Sinatra" -- MY FAVORITE VERSION - YOURS TOO? https://sinatrafamily.com/forum/showthread.php/50225-My-Favorite-Version-%28yours-too-%29?p=1282563#post1282563
@DBro65
Isn't technology wonderful? Because of it, Natalie Cole is able to sing this timeless holiday classic with her father. The legendary Nat King Cole.
@tvmonte
It certainly is!
@TyeArtisik
Technology can be a blessing & a curse
@christineashby2843
I was extremely happy when Natalie could actually do such a masterpiece with her dad. It brought joy into my heart. Thanks for technology. It is wonderful.
@judithspirito8483
It sure is. AI 2024 letโs check it out ..
@alishawilliams2017
@@christineashby2843I love this version. I also like the version of Nat singing by himself. I was happy that father & daughter could sing a song together. I remember when I was in high school , we had to do a paper, I did Natalie .
@jjOnes10mine
These are two of the world's greatest treasures, gone, but not forgotten..."Although it's been said, many times many ways, Merry Christmas, to you..."
@jjOnes10mine
Merry Christmas in 2022 and beyond.๐๐๐๐
@6woodstaylor432
R.I.P. Nat King Cole (1917-1965)
R.I.P. Natalie Cole (1950-2015)
We miss you every day! ๐๐ฆ
@cletopesina9925
Love this : Father and daughter....Nat King & Natalie Cole...โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ๐น๐นRip Natalie gone but not forgotten!!! Who's listening in November 29,2019....