She was born in the neighborhood of Greenpoint in Brooklyn, New York City, New York on January 10, 1953 as Patricia Andrzejewski. She graduated from Lindenhurst High on Long Island in 1971. She married her lead guitarist, Neil "Spyder" Geraldo, in 1982, and she has two children, named Haley and Hana.
In 1973, Benatar quit her job as a bank teller to pursue a singing career after being inspired by a Liza Minnelli concert she saw in Richmond. She got a job as a singing waitress at a flapper-esque nightclub named "The Roaring Twenties", and got a gig singing in lounge band Coxon's Army. They garnered enough attention to be the subject of a never-aired PBS special, and the band's bassist, Roger Capps, would go on to be the original bass player for the Pat Benatar band.
This period also yielded Benatar's first solo single – 1974's "Day Gig" – until her eventual major label debut on Chrysalis Records in 1979. The song was released via Trace Records, and was both written and produced by Coxon's Army band leader Phil Coxon.
Benatar's big break came in 1975 at an amateur night at the comedy club "Catch a Rising Star" in New York City. Her rousing rendition of Judy Garland's "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody" earned her a call back by club owner Rick Newman, who would later become her manager.
After many years of producing big budget albums, Neil and Pat have continued to produce albums together, even though they have decided to end their association with major labels. They have chosen instead to place the care of their children above industry demands, and make records at home in their own professional quality studio. Each summer when their girls get out of school for vacation, they all pack up, board a tour bus, and set out to play as many shows as they can fit into the summer months. Pat and Neil maintain a close, and much more personal, relationship with their fans, than they were able to do in 80's during the heights of their commercial success.
http://www.benatargiraldo.com
Christmas in America
Pat Benatar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's carols in the air
The snow falling on the ground
There's holly everywhere
The people they're all different too
Their troubles put aside
They smile a little brighter
It seems at Christmas time
It's Christmas in America
Let the angels sing
It's Christmas in America
Let freedom ring
Let peace resound throughout the world
Especially on this day
It's Christmas in America
God bless the USA
The kids get so excited
Preparing for the day
Their letters to Santa have all been sent
The cookies have been baked
The creche under the Christmas tree
Awaits the baby child
It seems to mean so much more this year
Than it has in a while
Coz It's Christmas in America
Let the angels sing
It's Christmas in America
Let freedom ring
Let peace resound throughout the world
Especially on this day
It's Christmas in America
God bless the USA
So keep your babies close tonight
Hug your husband, kiss your wife
Be thankful for this way of life,
We're fortunate to share
And not forget the ones we've lost
Their memory lives on in our hearts
They'll be forever in our thoughts
And always in our prayers
Unto this world a child is born
His gift was meant for everyone
The light of peace shines on and on
And never fades away
America, America indivisible we are
One nation under God
And that will never change
Coz It's Christmas in America
Let the angels sing
It's Christmas in America
Let freedom ring
Let peace resound throughout the world
Especially on this day
It's Christmas in America
God bless the USA
It's Christmas in America
God bless the USA
The song "Christmas in America" by Pat Benatar is a celebration of Christmas in the United States of America. The lyrics describe the festive atmosphere that surrounds the holiday, with carols in the air, snow falling on the ground, and holly decorating everything. The beginning of the song suggests that people's differences are put aside, and they begin to smile a little brighter as the holiday approaches. However, the song also recognizes the pain of loss during the season, with references to keeping loved ones in our hearts and thoughts.
The lyrics also emphasize the importance of Christmas in America as a time to celebrate the country's values, particularly freedom and peace. The song urges people to let freedom ring and for peace to resound throughout the world, especially on this day. There is a strong sense of patriotism in the song, with the line "God bless the USA" repeated throughout the chorus. The song ends with a reminder that despite differences, as Americans, we are indivisible.
Overall, the song is a powerful celebration of the joy, hope, and love that come with Christmas in America, while also acknowledging the loss and pain that can be felt during the holiday season. It emphasizes the importance of coming together as a community, and as a nation, to focus on shared values and to embrace the spirit of the holiday.
Line by Line Meaning
It's Christmas in America
The holiday season has arrived in America
There's carols in the air
Christmas music is everywhere
The snow falling on the ground
It's wintertime and snow is falling
There's holly everywhere
Holiday decorations are abundant
The people they're all different too
People from all walks of life celebrate Christmas
Their troubles put aside
People set aside their differences and focus on the joy of the holiday season
They smile a little brighter
The spirit of Christmas brings happiness and joy to people's lives
It seems at Christmas time
The holiday season has a special way of making people feel optimistic and cheerful
Let the angels sing
May the beauty of Christmas be celebrated by all
Let freedom ring
May the freedom we enjoy in America be a part of our celebration
Let peace resound throughout the world
May the world be filled with peace and love during the holiday season
Especially on this day
On Christmas day, we hope for a world filled with joy and love
God bless the USA
May God continue to bless the United States of America
The kids get so excited
Children are filled with joyful anticipation for Christmas day
Preparing for the day
Kids are busy getting ready for the holiday
Their letters to Santa have all been sent
Children have made their Christmas wishes known
The cookies have been baked
Holiday treats are being prepared and shared
The creche under the Christmas tree
A nativity scene is being displayed under the tree
Awaits the baby child
We remember the birth of Jesus Christ
It seems to mean so much more this year
The importance of Christmas feels magnified this year
Than it has in a while
Perhaps we've taken the holiday for granted in the past
So keep your babies close tonight
Hold your loved ones tight and cherish the moments spent together
Hug your husband, kiss your wife
Express love and affection to those closest to you
Be thankful for this way of life
We should be grateful for the lives we have and the freedoms we enjoy
We're fortunate to share
Our blessings are made more meaningful by sharing them with others
And not forget the ones we've lost
We remember those who are no longer with us
Their memory lives on in our hearts
Our loved ones continue to inspire and influence us even after they're gone
They'll be forever in our thoughts
We hold the memories of our loved ones close and keep them in our thoughts and hearts
And always in our prayers
We pray for the peace and comfort of our loved ones who have passed
Unto this world a child is born
We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas day
His gift was meant for everyone
Christ's message of love and hope is a gift to everyone, regardless of faith or background
The light of peace shines on and on
We hope that the light of peace will continue to shine throughout the world
And never fades away
May the hope and joy of Christmas never disappear
America, America indivisible we are
America is a united country, bound together by our shared values and beliefs
One nation under God
As a nation, we recognize and celebrate the presence of God in our lives
And that will never change
We are committed to these values now and in the future
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@malibusummer
Pat and Neil are the kindest, most talented people we've ever worked with. They contributed the funds for this video and music to those children affected by 9/11 that year. I will always be proud to have produced this video with them as a charitable giving for Christmas and others in need no matter what your affiliation. God Bless.
@kimberlyisherwood4564
Best non traditional Christmas song ever in my opinion. "All I want for Christmas" by Vince Vance close second. Great double message by Pat. Well arranged
Great voice. Best verse reminding us of the ones we lost and always in our memorys and prayers. always makes it a tear jerker. Thankyou for your part.
@richarddees54
God bless you for your contribution.
@ernestcassler2505
That's cool I didn't know that.
@JoshH4678
"Christmas in America, God bless the USA"
I'm not an american but this line sent shivers through me. Great song.
@ma-laksmith9787
America needs more music like this
@patrickc3419
I remember this song being released shortly after September 11th. Unbelievable how fast time goes by.
@timrichards6761
I've been a big fan of Pat Benatar since the 80s. This song was released a couple years after 9/11 & it rings true now as well. ✌❤
@yf2734
No, Christmas 2001.
@adamstillman1661
Why don't I ever hear this on the radio??? So much better than a lot of what I hear on the radio now at Christmas time. What a classy tune!