Kirk was born Ronald Kirk on 7th August 1935, in Columbus, Ohio, but felt compelled by a dream to transpose two letters in his first name to make Roland. After another dream in about 1970 he added Rahsaan to his name.
His playing was generally rooted in soul jazz or hard bop, but Kirk's encyclopedic knowledge of jazz history allowed him to draw convincingly on any element of the music's history, from ragtime to swing and free jazz. Kirk also regularly explored classical and pop music.
Kirk played and collected a vast number of musical instruments, mainly various saxophones, clarinets, and flutes. His main instruments were tenor saxophone, and two obscure saxophones: the manzello (similar to a soprano sax) and the stritch (a straight alto sax lacking the instrument's characteristic upturned bell). Kirk modified these instruments himself to accommodate his simultaneous playing technique. He typically appeared on stage with all three horns hanging around his neck, as well as a variety of other instruments, including flutes and whistles. Kirk also played harmonica, cor anglais, recorders, and was a competent trumpeter. He often used unusual instruments or combinations of instrument parts, using a saxophone mouthpiece on a trumpet or playing nose flute. He additionally used many extramusical sounds in his music, such as alarm clocks, whistles, sirens, and even primitive electronic sounds (before such things became commonplace).
In addition to the saxophones, Kirk was also an influential flautist, employing several novel techniques that he developed himself. One technique was to sing or hum into the flute at the same time as playing. (This technique was adopted later by many other players, including Jeremy Steig and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull.) Another was to play the standard transverse flute at the same time as a nose flute.
The Christmas Song
Rahsaan Roland Kirk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide 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 reindeer 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!
The Christmas Song by Rahsaan Roland Kirk is a joyful ode to the holiday season. The first verse describes the cozy winter scene, with chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, and yuletide carols being sung by a choir. The second verse talks about the traditions of the holiday season, including the turkey and mistletoe that make the season bright, and the excitement of children who can't sleep because they're eagerly awaiting Santa's arrival. The final verse offers a simple message of goodwill, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
The song beautifully captures the spirit of Christmas, with its focus on the warmth and joy of the season. The imagery of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, a choir singing carols, and children eagerly anticipating Santa's arrival all contribute to the sense of wonder and magic that Christmas brings. The song reminds us of the simple pleasures that make the holiday season so special, and the importance of coming together with loved ones to celebrate.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The comforting sight of chestnuts being roasted on an open fire brings the warmth and joy of the holiday season.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The cold weather reminds us that winter is here and that even our noses can feel the nip from Jack Frost.
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The haunting melody of carols sung by a choir is a reminder of the special significance of the Yuletide season.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People take the opportunity to wrap up cosy and warm like Arctic dwellers to avoid the cold weather.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Amongst the customary things people expect during the festive season are turkeys and mistletoe which are widely accepted symbols on this occasion.
Help to make the season bright
These festive additions, together with other festive events, are put in place with the intention to spread joy and cheer to all.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Young children's excitement during this season is palpable with their brightly shining eyes filled with anticipation for that special day.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
The excitement may prove too much, meaning they might struggle to nod off on Christmas Eve.
They know that Santa's on his way
Children eagerly anticipate Santa's arrival, knowing that he will come with enchanting presents to brighten their day.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Plenty of toys and goodies are preloaded onto Santa's sleigh ahead of his visit so he can make countless deliveries.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Children will keep a watchful eye on the skies to catch a glimpse of Santa's sleigh as he makes his rounds.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
The presence of reindeer for transport is a curious one, so children watch with wonder to see if they really do have the capability to fly.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
The holiday spirit is contagious, and so the sharing of goodwill with simple greetings is important for everyone.
To kids from one to ninety-two
It doesn't matter what your age, everyone deserves to join in the festivities and be acknowledged with holiday cheer.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Reinforcing the sentiment that the spirit of the season cannot be overstated, and its message cannot be overemphasised.
Merry Christmas to you!
A heartfelt greeting to everyone during this popular and special holiday season.
Lyrics © Ceylon Records, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Leo R. LaBarge
sweet and touching... lovely