With a contract to Mercury Records (1975), McEntire began her professional career singing heavily pop-influenced ballads, a far cry from the neotraditionalist movement she would help lead a few years later.
"I Don't Want To Be A One Night Stand" became her first charting single in 1976. Her first Top 10 hit "(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven" followed four years later, and in 1982 she scored her first #1 hit with "Can't Even Get The Blues."
Frustrated at her limited commercial success, McEntire left Mercury and signed with MCA Records in 1984. 1984's "Just A Little Love" wasn't much different form her Mercury material and was only moderately successful. However, another album followed later that same year, titled "My Kind of Country." This was a return-to-roots record, complete with fiddles and steel. It was comprised largely of covers of classic country songs, as well as original songs such as "How Blue" and the Harlan Howard-penned "Somebody Should Leave", both of which reached #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
In the early 1990s McEntire expanded her audience by adopting a softer, more pop-oriented sound. She became one of the best-selling country artists of all time, releasing three volumes of greatest hits collections.
Since that first #1 hit in 1982, she's forked out 21 more chartbusters, which are all recapped on "Reba #1s" released on November 22nd, 2005. The 2-disc compilation features all 22 number one singles (according to Billboard magazine) in chronological order, including two new tracks "You're Gonna Be" and "Love Needs A Holiday." "Reba #1s" also contains 11 singles that reached the #1 spot in publications other than Billboard.
She won the Female Vocalist of the Year award from the Country Music Association four times in a row (a record she holds with Martina McBride), and had dozens of Top Ten hits during the 80s. For her contribution to the recording industry, Reba McEntire has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7000 Hollywood Blvd. In 1995, she was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
She is one of only six solo women (others include Shania Twain, Barbara Mandrell, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Taylor Swift), to win the Country Music Association's highest honor, "Entertainer Of The Year". McEntire continued to hit the charts through the 2000s, as well as appearing in television and film, most notably Tremors, a cult horror movie series, Forever Love, and One Night at McCool's. She also starred as Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun on Broadway, receiving critical acclaim.
From 2001 to 2007, Reba starred in the hit WB television show, Reba (with Texan actor Christopher Rich as her philandering ex-husband), even getting a visit from fellow country star Dolly Parton who played Reba's character's supervisor at a real estate firm.
The Christmas Song
Reba McEntire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by the choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimo's
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Helps to make the season bright
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
They know that Santa Claus is 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
Oh, and so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
And although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you
Merry Christmas
The Christmas Song, originally titled Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, is a classic Christmas song that has been recorded by many artists over the years. Reba McEntire's version of the song is a beautiful interpretation of the original, capturing the warmth and coziness of the holiday season. The opening lines of the song set the scene beautifully, with chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose. The imagery of Yuletide carols being sung by the choir and folks dressed up like Eskimos creates a festive atmosphere, evoking memories of Christmas past and present.
The song then goes on to describe the excitement and anticipation of Christmas, with everyone looking forward to the arrival of Santa Claus, who has loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh. The mention of tiny tots with their eyes all aglow, finding it hard to sleep tonight, is especially heartwarming, as it captures the innocence and wonder of childhood. The final verse of the song offers a simple, yet powerful message of goodwill, wishing Merry Christmas to kids from one to ninety-two, and reminding us that the season is about love, family, and the joy of giving.
Line by Line Meaning
Mm, mm
Sigh of contentment and happiness.
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The warm, cozy feeling of spending time with loved ones during the holidays.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The chilly winter weather that adds to the festive atmosphere of Christmas.
Yuletide carols being sung by the choir
The joy and beauty of traditional Christmas music that brings people together.
And folks dressed up like Eskimo's
The fun tradition of bundling up in warm winter clothing, like Eskimos, to stay comfortable outside.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
The classic symbols of the holiday season that add to the festive mood.
Helps to make the season bright
These symbols create a cheerful atmosphere that brightens up the season.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children's excitement and wonder during this magical time of year.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
The anticipation of Christmas morning makes it difficult for children to settle down and sleep.
They know that Santa Claus is on his way
The timeless belief in the magical figure of Santa Claus who brings joy and gifts to children.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
The expectation of receiving special presents that are brought by Santa Claus.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Curiosity and excitement among children who want to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus and his reindeer.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
Wonder at the mythical flying abilities of Santa Claus's reindeer, which add to the magic of Christmas.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
A heartfelt message of goodwill that Reba McEntire is offering to her listeners.
To kids from one to ninety-two
This message of love and peace applies to people of all ages.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
This message of Merry Christmas has been expressed in many different ways throughout the years, but its meaning remains the same.
Merry Christmas to you
Wishing everyone a happy and joyous holiday season filled with love, peace, and hope.
Lyrics © Ceylon Records, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dennis L
This is so special to me, In a Christmas play at church, I played Conrad, the year was 1983, I am almost moved to tears on hearing this. What a wonderful time I had and all of us could have if we all played this part for real.
Rosalind Macooh
You have the opportunity to play this part every single day of the year.
Kristina Martin
I love this song! People in the world needs more love like this!!
AngelaA Mortz
I was trying to explain to my 9 yr old the way God wants us to treat others so I played this song for him and he cried. I think he gets it ❤.
DX
Not many things can make me cry but I tell ya I can't help but get misty eyed at the end of this every time I hear it.
Nia the Gulf Gypsy
Now if only more could keep the spirit of this song in their heart and their lives, every day.
Have a Blessed Christmas.
Jamie McCarter
This always gives me chills and brings tears.
2018😍❤
Laura Warden
Love the christmas guest have a safe merry christmas and new year
curtis parr
Me too
Marla Bridges
Awesome! Sincere! Well written and sang. One of my absolute favorites for many years. Every Christmas I'd listen to this with my kids' now they carry on the tradition with theirs. I'm thankful for this song. It reminds us that Faith is not seen but it is in you. Since 1985 to 2021 we've all cried and humbled ourselves with this beautiful song. God bless!