C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S
Rosemary Clooney (1) Lyrics


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When I was but a youngster, Christmas meant one thing
That I'd be getting lots of toys that day
I learned a whole lot different when mother sat me down
And taught me to spell Christmas this way

C is for the Christ child born upon this day
H for herald angels in the night
R means our redeemer
I means Israel
S is for the star that shone so bright
T is for three wise men, they who traveled far
M is for the manger where He lay
A is for all He stands for
S means Shepard's came

And that's why there's a Christmas day

T is for three wise men, they who traveled far
M is for the manger where He lay
A is for all He stands for
S means Shepard's came




And that's why there's a Christmas day
And that's why there's a Christmas day

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Rosemary Clooney's "C-H-R-I-S-T-M-a-S" are a poignant reminder that Christmas is not just about getting presents, but also remembering the true meaning of the holiday. The song speaks to the experiences of many children, who may not fully understand the religious significance of Christmas until introduced to it by a parent or other trusted adult. The song teaches the listener how to spell the word "Christmas" through the use of each letter, which represents an important aspect of the holiday.


The song begins by acknowledging how Christmas used to be all about getting presents as a youngster. However, the singer goes on to describe how her mother taught her to spell Christmas letter by letter, revealing the deeper meaning behind the holiday. "C" stands for the Christ child, "H" for the herald angels, "R" for our redeemer, "I" for Israel, "S" for the shining star, "T" for the three wise men, "M" for the manger where Jesus was born, and "A" for all that he stands for. Lastly, "S" stands for the shepherds who came to honor and worship the newborn baby.


Despite the song's clear religious message, it has become a popular Christmas classic and is enjoyed by many listeners, regardless of their faith. By teaching the spelling of Christmas, the song reminds us that there is more to the holiday than just presents and festivities. It encourages us to reflect on the true meaning of the season and remember the story of Jesus' birth, which is at the heart of the holiday.


Line by Line Meaning

When I was but a youngster, Christmas meant one thing
As a child, the holiday season represented receiving presents


That I'd be getting lots of toys that day
The day of Christmas would bring a plethora of new toys to play with


I learned a whole lot different when mother sat me down
But my perspective changed when my mother explained the true meaning of Christmas to me


And taught me to spell Christmas this way
And showed me how to think of Christmas as spelled out in this acrostic


C is for the Christ child born upon this day
The letter C represents the birth of Jesus Christ, the reason for Christmas


H for herald angels in the night
The letter H references the heavenly angels that announced the birth of Christ


R means our redeemer
The letter R symbolizes Jesus Christ as our redeemer, who saved us from sin


I means Israel
The letter I represents Israel, the place where Christ was born


S is for the star that shone so bright
The letter S stands for the shining star that guided the wise men to Jesus


T is for three wise men, they who traveled far
The letter T represents the three wise men who followed the star to find baby Jesus


M is for the manger where He lay
The letter M signifies the humble manger where Jesus was born and laid to rest


A is for all He stands for
The letter A encompasses all that Jesus stands for and symbolizes


S means Shepard's came
Finally, the letter S denotes the shepherds who were visited by the angels and went to see the newborn Savior


And that's why there's a Christmas day
All of these elements come together to signify and explain the importance of Christmas day and its meaning




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EDDY ARNOLD, JENNY LOU CARSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@davidredman7393

I ABSOLUTE LOVE ALL THESE SONGS...........ESPECIALLY ROSIE CLOONEY..........BEST VOICE EVER !!! MISS YOU, ROSIE !!!!

@manuelaffonso2191

What do you mean miss you, she's still alive and kicking.

@nickespinoza9426

Priceless!!

@tiffanyfrehleyyeshuaismy0153

… 32:18, I love the song called Snow. ☺️ ❄️ 🛷⛄️⛸🕊🤍

@liveandwrite

Just reading a ridiculous article about how Mariah is trying to trademark the name "Queen of Christmas". Thought I'd come by and, from a musical standpoint at least, listen to the original. Her and Eartha Kitt.

@GrannyEarth

The last time i heard M.C. Was a New Years Eve show in NYC. They had sound trouble & she froze & Bombed big time. Anyone of this generation could’ve carried on beautifully without any accompanying or soundtrack!!! REAL TALENT Wins everytime!

@RussX5Z

These are not all Christmas songs by Rosemary Clooney!! Misleading title!!

@patriciaoreilly8907

Don't sweat the small stuff in life . Enjoy & Appreciate. 😂😂😂

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