Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
Peggy Lee Lyrics


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You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town

He's making a list
And checking it twice
Gonna find out
Who's naughty and nice
Santa Claus is coming to town

He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake

Oh! You better watch out! You better not cry
Better not pout, I'm telling you why





Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Peggy Lee’s “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” have become a holiday classic with both children and adults alike. The song begins with a stern warning to anyone listening, “you better watch out, you better not cry,” before explaining that Santa Claus is coming to town. The lyrics make it clear that Santa Claus is making a list and checking it twice to find out who’s been naughty or nice, and that he knows if you’ve been bad or good. The song concludes with a final warning, “you better watch out,” before reassuring listeners that Santa Claus is indeed coming to town.


At its core, the lyrics to “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” remind listeners that Christmas is a time for goodness and giving. By warning listeners to be good or face the disappointment of Santa Claus, the song acts as a reminder of the importance of being kind and caring during the holiday season. The lyrics also create a sense of anticipation and excitement around Santa Claus’ impending arrival, making it a classic Christmas tune enjoyed by all ages.


Line by Line Meaning

You better watch out
Be cautious in your actions.


You better not cry
Do not express your negative emotions in a loud and wailing manner.


Better not pout
Don't be moody or annoyed.


I'm telling you why
I am sharing the reason behind this advice.


Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to the city/village.


He's making a list
He is recording the names of people.


And checking it twice
He is going through the list thoroughly for a second time.


Gonna find out
He will soon discover.


Who's naughty and nice
Who falls in the category of both good and bad.


Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is arriving at the city/village.


He sees you when you're sleeping
He observes you while you are in deep sleep.


He knows when you're awake
He determines your awake hours or moments.


He knows if you've been bad or good
He is aware of your good and bad deeds.


So be good for goodness sake
Therefore, be righteous for the sake of being righteous.


Oh! You better watch out! You better not cry
Oh! Be careful! Don't express your negative emotions in a loud and wailing manner.


Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Don't be moody or annoyed, let me tell you the reason behind this.


Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is arriving at the city/village.




Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Coots, Haven Gillespie

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@donovandawkins2608

THIS IS SO COOL MY MEMORIES ARE FLOWING WITH ❤️ 😍 💕 ♥️

@LillianKüstenfeuer

❤✨🙏🎄🌟🎁🎅🎶

@johunter4904

What year is this?....i wanna live there