The Christmas Song
SWV Lyrics


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Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide 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
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies
On his sleigh
And ev'ry 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

(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, many times-Many ways




Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you

Overall Meaning

The Christmas Song by SWV is a cover of the classic Christmas tune originally written by Tormé and Wells. The lyrics are a cheerful portrayal of the holiday season, describing various traditional holiday activities and the excitement that comes along with them. The first verse paints a cozy holiday scene with chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, and a choir singing yuletide carols. The next verse describes the anticipation of Christmas with children eagerly awaiting Santa Claus and his gifts, and the magic of the reindeer that pull his sleigh. The song ends with a simple but heartfelt message of "Merry Christmas to you," extending holiday wishes to people of all ages.


While the lyrics of The Christmas Song are straightforward and simple, they convey a feeling of warmth and joy that has made the song a perennial holiday favorite. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, and continues to be a popular choice for Christmas playlists and performances. Its timeless message of peace and goodwill is a reminder of the true spirit of the holiday season, and the joy and togetherness that it can bring.


Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The warmth of the open fire fills the room, and the roasting chestnuts provide a cozy atmosphere for the celebration of Christmas.


Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The winter season brings a chill in the air, which could be felt even on the nose. The biting cold weather signifies the arrival of Christmas and the joys that come with it.


Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
The singing of carols by the choir is a reminder of the religious aspects of Christmas and the reason for the celebrations.


And folks dressed up like Eskimos
The cold weather requires people to bundle up and dress warmly in order to stay comfortable, which leads to dressing up like Eskimos.


Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
These two items are traditional symbols of Christmas, and their presence makes the occasion festive and joyous for everybody.


Help to make the season bright
The inclusion of these traditional symbols symbolizes the importance of tradition in making the Christmas season brighter.


Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
The excitement of the holiday is evident in the eyes of children who are fascinated by the lights and decorations associated with Christmas.


Will find it hard to sleep tonight
The anticipation of receiving gifts from Santa Claus makes it difficult for the children to fall asleep on Christmas Eve night.


They know that Santa's on his way
Children are aware of Santa Claus's arrival on Christmas Eve to distribute gifts that they have wished for over the past year.


He's loaded lots of toys and goodies
Santa Claus brings joy to the children's lives by delivering toys and other gifts that they have wished for throughout the year.


On his sleigh
Santa Claus travels to each child's house using his magical sleigh pulled by his flying reindeer.


And every mother's child is gonna spy
The children are eagerly waiting for Santa Claus and cannot resist peeking out of their windows to catch a glimpse of him.


To see if reindeer
The children are curious to see the reindeer who help pull Santa's sleigh across the sky.


Really know
The children wonder if the reindeer are capable of flying through the air, as they lack wings or any other aerial means.


How to fly
The children ponder various questions that arise regarding the magical nature of Christmas and the myth of Santa Claus.


And so I'm offering this simple phrase
The song's narrator is offering a simple yet heartfelt greeting to everyone who celebrates Christmas, wishing them happiness and joy during this special time.


To kids from one to ninety-two
The greeting is intended for everyone, young or old, who celebrates the occasion and enjoys the festivities.


although' it's been said many times
The singer acknowledges that this is a common greeting, but it is always heartfelt and sincere, no matter how many times it is repeated.


Many ways
The greeting can be said in different languages or with different tones, but it always conveys the same message of goodwill and cheer.


Merry Christmas to you
The song's final message is a warm and sincere wish for a happy and joyous Christmas to everyone who celebrates the holiday.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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