According to Merge, at their initial studio session the two “were immediately struck by one another’s talents and found an instant rapport". During a conversation about their shared love of old records, Zooey let slip that she wrote her own songs, which she recorded alone at home on her computer. Somewhat shy about sharing these musical morsels, she was eventually persuaded to send them to M. Ward. He was instantly impressed, and they soon reconvened at his studio in Portland to begin work. Recorded over a period of several months, between acting work (She) and touring commitments (Him), the pair found time to bring Zooey’s fledgling songs to gorgeous fruition
All I Want For Christmas Is You
She & Him Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
I don′t want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need (and I)
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace (I know)
Santa Claus won′t make me happy
With a toy on Christmas day
′Cause I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
(You, baby)
I won't ask for much this Christmas
I won′t even ask for snow (and I)
I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe
I won′t make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick (and I)
I won't even stay awake
To hear those magic reindeer click
′Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do?
All I want for Christmas is you
(You, baby)
And all the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere
And the sound of children's
Laughter fills the air
And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa won't you please bring me what I really need?
Won′t you please bring my baby to me?
′Cause I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
(You, baby)
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
The song "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by She & Him, originally written and recorded by Mariah Carey in 1994, is a Christmas love song that emphasizes the importance of love and companionship over material possessions. The opening lines of the song, "I don′t want a lot for Christmas, there is just one thing I need", set the tone for the song, letting the listener know that the singer places value in relationships over consumerism. The singer then goes on to express that they do not care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree, nor do they need the traditional symbols of Christmas like stockings hung on the fireplace or a visit from Santa Claus.
Rather, the singer simply wants the person they love to be with them, expressing their desire with the repeated refrain, "All I want for Christmas is you". The singer is content to wait patiently underneath the mistletoe, hoping that their loved one will come and give them a kiss. The bridge of the song describes the excitement and joy of the holiday season, with the bright lights and sounds of children's laughter filling the air. However, despite the festive atmosphere, the singer's mind remains focused on the one thing they truly want for Christmas, the person they love.
Overall, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is a heartfelt song that reminds listeners of the importance of love and companionship during the holiday season. The song puts the focus on what truly matters, rather than the material goods that often take center stage during the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
I don′t want a lot for Christmas
I don't need much this Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I only need one thing
I don't care about the presents
Gifts are not important to me
Underneath the Christmas tree
Gifts wrapped and placed under the tree
I just want you for my own
I want to have you all to myself
More than you could ever know
You mean more to me than you realize
Make my wish come true
Please make my wish a reality
All I want for Christmas is you
Having you is the only thing I want for Christmas
I won't ask for much this Christmas
I won't be too demanding this Christmas
I won′t even ask for snow
I don't even need snow
I'm just gonna keep on waiting
I'll patiently wait for the right person
Underneath the mistletoe
Waiting to share a special moment under the mistletoe
I won't make a list and send it
I'm not making a list of things I want
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't bother mailing a letter to Santa Claus
I won't even stay awake
I won't try too hard
To hear those magic reindeer click
To try to hear Santa and his reindeer arrive
′Cause I just want you here tonight
Being with you is all I want, especially tonight
Holding on to me so tight
I want you to hold me tightly
What more can I do?
There's nothing else I can do or ask for
And all the lights are shining
The lights are bright and beautiful
So brightly everywhere
Shining in every direction
And the sound of children's
Hearing the joyous laughter of kids
Laughter fills the air
The air is festive and merry
And everyone is singing
People are singing joyful tunes
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Hearing the sound of sleigh bells ringing
Santa won't you please bring me what I really need?
Asking Santa to bring what I truly want
Won′t you please bring my baby to me?
Asking Santa to bring my loved one to me
Having you is the only thing I want for Christmas
Reiterating that their loved one is the only gift they want
Writer(s): Mariah Carey, Walter N Afanasieff
Contributed by Micah T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.