By 1982, choruses were established in many major cities across the US and the LGBT choral movement began to formalize. The Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (or GALA Choruses) was created, with SFGMC as one of its founders.
Needing relevant music to perform, SFGMC commissioned many important new works, developing new repertoire for men’s choruses as well as for the gay and allied choral communities. In 1986, SFGMC commissioned Invocation and Dance by David Conte, one of the world's first compositions in response to AIDS. NakedMan, a song suite by Philip Littell and Robert Seeley, was commissioned by SFGMC in 1996. It became one of the most important works in gay choral literature and is still widely performed today.
AIDS hit the chorus hard – SFGMC lost over 250 members – yet the organization survived and thrived with sustained passion for its mission. Since 1978, more than 1000 SFGMC members have served proudly as goodwill ambassadors, promoting awareness and understanding of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (or LGBT) community through music and the camaraderie of performance.
Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Lyrics
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Stopped off at the North Pole to spend a holiday
I called on dear old Santa Claus
To see what I could see
He took me to his workshop
And told his plans to me, so
[Chorus]
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
He's making a list and checking it twice
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice
Santa Claus is comin' to town
He sees you when you're sleepin'
He knows when you're a wake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake
Oh! You better watch out, you better not cry
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
With little tin horns and little toy drums
Rooty toot toots and rummy tum tums
Santa Claus is comin' to town
And curly head dolls that toddle and coo
Elephants, boats, and kiddie cars too
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Then kids in Girl and Boy land will have a jubilee
They're gonna build a Toyland all around the Christmas tree
So! You better watch out, you better not cry
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Now Santa is a busy man, He has no time to play
He's got millions of stockings to fill on Christmas day
You'd better write your letter now
And mail it right away
Because he's getting ready
His reindeer's and his sleigh. So
[Chorus]
With little tin horns and little toy drums
Rooty toot toots and rummy tum tums
Santa Claus is comin' to town
And curly head dolls that toddle and coo
Elephants, boats, and kiddie cars too
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Then kids in Girl and Boy land will have a jubilee
They're gonna build a Toyland all around the Christmas tree
So! You better watch out, you better not cry
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
The lyrics of San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus's song "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" describe a trip taken by the singer to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus. The singer describes how he visited Santa's workshop and was told about Santa's plans for Christmas. The chorus of the song warns listeners to be good because Santa Claus is coming to town, and he knows who has been naughty and nice. The verses of the song describe some of the toys that Santa Claus will be bringing to the children. The song ends with a reminder to children to write a letter to Santa Claus and mail it right away.
Line by Line Meaning
I just came back from a lovely trip along the Milky Way
I just imagined a vacation far away from Earth and my daily life.
Stopped off at the North Pole to spend a holiday
I pictured myself taking a break in a secluded location with a lot of snow and ice.
I called on dear old Santa Claus
I got someone's attention and asked for help from the legendary symbol of Christmas.
To see what I could see
To gain insight and understanding about the work that Santa does.
He took me to his workshop
We went to a magical place where toys are made and Christmas wishes come true.
And told his plans to me, so
I was privileged to learn about how Santa prepares for his Christmas Eve journey.
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Be ready for the excitement that comes with the arrival of Santa Claus in your city.
He's making a list and checking it twice
Santa is making sure that every child gets the right toy and that all requirements are met.
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice
He has a method of distinguishing the kids who behaved well or not throughout the year.
He sees you when you're sleepin'
Santa has a level of awareness of everything that goes on in every household.
He knows when you're a wake
Santa pays attention to the way that children behave when they are awake, so as to determine the presents they deserve.
He knows if you've been bad or good
In his desire to make children happy, Santa is motivated to keep track of their good deeds and bad actions.
So be good for goodness sake
It's best to be on your best behavior, not just for a reward but for the sake of being good.
With little tin horns and little toy drums
Santa is bringing musical instruments to town, so children can enjoy playing them.
Rooty toot toots and rummy tum tums
These are the sounds that these instruments make, making Christmas an even more joyful time for kids.
And curly head dolls that toddle and coo
Toys that are being offered for girls who love dolls that do things like move and make noise.
Elephants, boats, and kiddie cars too
Different types of toys such as animals, sea vessels, and vehicles are being brought to the city.
Then kids in Girl and Boy land will have a jubilee
Once the toys have been delivered to children, everyone will be happy and joyful.
They're gonna build a Toyland all around the Christmas tree
All the gifts will be placed around the Christmas tree, creating a scene that resembles the magic of Toyland.
Now Santa is a busy man, He has no time to play
Santa's job requires all of his focus and attention, so he has no time for rest or entertainment.
He's got millions of stockings to fill on Christmas day
Santa has the responsibility of completing his mission of making children happy on his busiest day of the year.
You'd better write your letter now
For your Christmas wish to be heard, it's best to send it as early as possible.
And mail it right away
Sending your letter by mail may be the best option to make sure Santa gets it on time.
Because he's getting ready
It's a fact that Santa is gearing up for Christmas Eve.
His reindeer's and his sleigh. So
It's a fact that he needs to prepare his means of transportation for the big night.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RICHARD WILLIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind