From the 1960s to the 1980s, Diamond was one of the more successful pop music performers, scoring a number of hits. As critic William Ruhlmann writes, "as of 2001, he claimed worldwide record sales of 115 million copies, and as of 2002 he was ranked third, behind only Elton John and Barbra Streisand, on the list of the most successful adult contemporary artists in the history of the Billboard chart."[1] As of May 2005 he has sold 120 million records worldwide, including 48 million records in the U.S.[2]
Though his record sales declined somewhat after the 1980s, Diamond continues to tour successfully, and maintains a very loyal following. Diamond's songs have been recorded by a vast array of performers from many different musical genres.
Diamond was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984, and then in 2000 was given its Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the early part of 2011.
In 2008 Neil Diamond scored his first ever Billboard number one album with "Home Before Dark", the album also became his first studio album to get to number one in the UK.
The Christmas Song
Neil Diamond 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
And everybody knows
A turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
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 ev'ry 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"
Yeah, 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"
"Merry Christmas to you"
The Christmas Song by Neil Diamond is a classic holiday tune that paints a vivid picture of the joys and wonders of the holiday season. In the opening lines, Diamond sets the scene with the imagery of chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose. The mention of "Yuletide carols being sung by a choir" evokes memories of beautiful harmonies and the warmth of community during the holidays. The line "and folks dressed up like Eskimos" adds to the ambiance of the song and creates a feeling of nostalgia.
As the song progresses, Diamond emphasizes the importance of coming together with loved ones during the holidays. A turkey and mistletoe are mentioned as symbols of the festive season, and the line about tiny tots unable to sleep is both charming and relatable. The anticipation of Santa's arrival and the awe in the children's eyes is beautifully captured in the lyrics.
Finally, Diamond delivers the sentiment at the heart of the song with the line "so I'm offering this simple phrase to kids from one to ninety-two." The phrase "Merry Christmas to you" is so simple and yet so powerful, encapsulating the warmth and love that define the season.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The warm and cozy fire is burning, making the chestnuts super-comforting to nibble.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The winter frost is so cold and chilly, it is stinging your nose and making it numb.
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
Everyone is singing joyful and soulful tunes celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
It's so cold and snowy outside that everyone is wearing thick layers of fur clothes to keep warm.
And everybody knows
It's common knowledge that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.
A turkey and some mistletoe
These traditional Christmas symbols are essential in setting the mood and making the season feel special and festive.
Help to make the season bright
They bring cheer to the occasion and add a dash of color and vibrancy to the celebrations.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
The excitement and anticipation of Santa's arrival is so high that even the little children can't contain their joy and enthusiasm.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
They are eagerly waiting to see what Santa will bring them, making it hard for them to drift off into slumber.
They know that Santa's on his way
The children are certain that their beloved Santa Claus is coming soon to deliver their presents, and that fills them with happiness and excitement.
He's loaded lots of toys
Santa has been working hard at his workshop, and he's bringing plenty of toys and goodies for all the good boys and girls.
And goodies on his sleigh
Santa has not only toys but also delicious treats on his hand-pulled sled, sure to delight everyone who gets them as gifts.
And ev'ry mother's child is gonna spy
All the children, regardless of whether they are rich or poor, are keeping an eye out for Santa, hoping to catch a glimpse of him in action.
To see if reindeers really know how to fly
Children are fascinated and intrigued by the idea of flying reindeers who could soar through the skies, carrying Santa and his gifts to their homes magically.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
This is the gift that Neil Diamond is giving to all his listeners - a simple phrase that encapsulates the spirit of the season.
To kids from one to ninety-two
This phrase is meant for everyone, young and old, who loves Christmas and wants to share the joy and happiness of this season.
Although it's been said
Though this phrase may have been spoken many times before, it still holds its significance and value as a meaningful message of season's greetings.
Many times, many ways
This phrase has been expressed in different forms and manners before, but the essence of it remains timeless and universal.
Merry Christmas to you
Finally, this is the heartfelt wish that Neil Diamond is offering to everyone who listens to his song - a very merry and blessed Christmas to all!
Lyrics © Ceylon Records, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sylvia Nostalgia Hidalgo
He's really an Icon!!! His voice is for all season...❤❤❤❤❤
Marie-Claire Beckx
One of the nicest X-Mas song I ever heard 😊. Neil's voice together with the saxophonist is just great! 🎷🎶
Bill Ferguson, Pastor
Truly a one of a kind entertainer. Thanks for sharing your talent Neil Diamond - a God given talent.
Merry Christmas and a very Happy Hanukkah
Marcela castaño
Reminds me of my childhood. Sooo cool!
Rudy leyva
I love this version by Neil Diamond, especially the sax playing of Plas Johnson.i remember hearing Plas play back in the 1950s (at the NCO Club) when we were stationed at Camp Robersts. Man, where have the years gone? Super posting!
Pete Zoria
Plas Johnson, one of the very best tenor sax players around.
Deedee S.
Love, love, love this man!
Carole Williams
Love the song...love the man...this song is the start of my Christmas every year.
Tom Tee
I've loved this man for as far back as I can remember..... And I'll be 70 in a year or so... Love you Neil....
June Hanson
He still has it thank you for singing for us you are good entertainment Merry Christmas ☃️