Pierino Ronald "Perry" Como (May 18, 1912 – May 12, 2001) was an Italian Am… Read Full Bio ↴Pierino Ronald "Perry" Como (May 18, 1912 – May 12, 2001) was an Italian American crooner during the 20th century. Throughout a career spanning more than half a century he recorded exclusively with the RCA Victor label after signing with them in 1943. He sold millions of records for RCA but he also pioneered a weekly musical variety television show which set the standard and proved one of the most successful in television history. His combined success on television and popular recordings has never been equalled by any other artist of the time. He was always noted for his relaxed attitude, an attitude which was reflected in his singing style. His was a beautiful voice, possessed by this former barber.

Como was also very popular in the UK. His chart successes ranged from 1953 to 1974 and included two number one's, his first hit 'Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes' in 1953 and 'Magic Moments' which stayed at the top for 8 weeks in 1958. His other big UK hits were 'Delaware' ( No 3 in 1960), ' It's Impossible' (No 4 in 1971) , 'And I Love You So' (No 3 in 1973), and 'For The Good Times' (No 7 in 1973).

As well as TV and recording success, Perry Como also made a number of films, including ' Something For The Boys' and 'Doll Face' which were released during WW2.

He died in his sleep on 12 May 2001.

Love Is a Christmas Rose
Perry Como Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

( doo, doo, doo doo . . . )

Friendship is a holly tree,
That brightens as it grows,
Friendship is a holly tree,
But love is a Christmas rose!

Romance is the mistletoe,

That from the ceiling glows,
Romance is the mistletoe,
But love is a Christmas rose!

With this rose I give you,
On this Christmas day,
Can't you see my darling,
What my heart has tried so hard to say?

Friendship is a holly tree ( Friendship is a holly tree )
That brightens as it grows ( That brightens as it grows )
Friendship is a holly tree ( Friendship is a holly tree )
But love is a Christmas rose! ( But love is a Christmas rose! )

Romance is the mistletoe ( Romance is the mistletoe )
That from the ceiling glows ( That from the ceiling glows )
Romance is the mistletoe ( Romance is the mistletoe )
But love is a Christmas rose! ( But love is a Christmas rose! )

Love is a Christmas rose! ( Friendship is a holly tree )
Love is a Christmas rose! ( Romance is the mistletoe )
Love is a Christmas rose . . . fade

Words and Music by Earl Shuman
And Leon Carr

Overall Meaning

The song "Love Is A Christmas Rose" is a beautiful and poetic representation of love that compares it with two powerful symbols of Christmas, the holly tree and the mistletoe. The opening lines immediately create a heartwarming image of friendship being compared to a holly tree, a plant that thrives in winter and signifies hope and protection. As the song progresses, romance is depicted as the mistletoe, which brings people together during festivities and provides a magical feeling. However, the chorus emphasizes that love goes beyond friendship and romance, and that it is as rare and precious as a Christmas rose.

The singer offers a Christmas rose to his beloved, a token of his love and devotion on this special day. The lyrics suggest that his heart is bursting with emotions that he may struggle to express in words. The repetition of lines and the harmony of the chorus create a soothing and enchanting atmosphere. The song concludes with a soft fade-out on the line "Love is a Christmas rose," encapsulating the idea that love is a fragile and fleeting gift that deserves to be celebrated.

Line by Line Meaning

Friendship is a holly tree,
Friendship is like a holly tree, it grows and becomes more beautiful with time

That brightens as it grows,
Just like a holly tree brightens, friendship also brings light and happiness in life

Friendship is a holly tree,
Once again, emphasizing that friendship is like a holly tree

But love is a Christmas rose!
However, love is like a Christmas rose, unique, special and something that should be treasured always

Romance is the mistletoe,
Romance is like the mistletoe, a symbol of Christmas time and tradition

That from the ceiling glows,
Just like the mistletoe lights up, romance adds a glow to life

Romance is the mistletoe,
Once again, emphasizing that romance is like the mistletoe

But love is a Christmas rose!
However, love is like a Christmas rose, unique, special and something that should be treasured always

With this rose I give you,
On this special Christmas day, I give you this rose to show you my love and affection

On this Christmas day,
Today is a special day, Christmas day, when love is celebrated

Can't you see my darling,
My dear, can't you see

What my heart has tried so hard to say?
I've been trying to express my love and feelings to you in every way I can

Love is a Christmas rose! ( Friendship is a holly tree )
Once again, emphasizing that love is like a Christmas rose, while friendship is like a holly tree

Love is a Christmas rose! ( Romance is the mistletoe )
Once again, emphasizing that love is like a Christmas rose, while romance is like mistletoe

Love is a Christmas rose . . . fade
Finally, the song ends by emphasizing the unique and precious nature of love, like a Christmas rose.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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