Based on melodies from discarded songs written six years before, "Merry Xmas Everybody" was Slade's best-selling single, released at the peak of their popularity, and sold over a million copies upon its first release. It is Slade's last number-one single, but by far their most successful. It has been released during every decade since 1973, and has been covered by numerous artists, ensuring it remains popular. In a 2007 poll, "Merry Xmas Everybody" was voted the UK's most popular Christmas song.
Merry Xmas Everybody
Slade Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's the time that every Santa has a ball
Does he ride a red-nosed reindeer?
Does a ton-up on his sleigh?
Do the fairies keep him sober for the day?
So here it is, Merry Christmas
Everybody's having fun
It's only just begun
Are you waiting for the family to arrive?
Are you sure you got the room to spare inside?
Does your granny always tell ya
That the old songs are the best?
Then she's up and rock and rollin' with the rest
So here it is Merry Christmas
Everybody's having fun
Look to the future now
It's only just begun
What will your daddy do
When he sees your mama kissin' Santa Claus?
Ah-ha
Are you hanging up your stocking on the wall?
Are you hoping that the snow will start to fall?
Do you ride on down the hillside
In a buggy you have made
And land upon your head, then you been slayed?
So here it is Merry Christmas
Everybody's having fun
Look to the future now
It's only just begun
So here it is Merry Christmas
Everybody's having fun
Look to the future now
It's only just begun
So here it is Merry Christmas
Everybody's having fun
Look to the future now
It's only just begun
So here it is Merry Christmas (it's Christmas)
Everybody's having fun
Look to the future now
It's only just begun
The lyrics to Slade's "Merry Xmas Everybody" appear to be a celebration of the holiday season, with questions about the traditions and unique elements of Christmas. The opening stanza asks whether the listener is preparing for Santa's arrival, but then humorously wonders whether Santa rides a red-nosed reindeer, and if so, whether he goes "a ton up" or at breakneck speed. The mention of fairies keeping Santa sober is likely a reference to the mythological fairies of old that were thought to mix inebriating potions. The chorus, "So here it is Merry Christmas, Everybody's having fun, Look to the future now, It's only just begun" seems to emphasize the spirit of the holiday, and the excitement and anticipation for what is to come.
The second stanza describes the anticipation of family arrivals during Christmas, and the possibility of running out of room to accommodate them. There is also a reference to the notion that "old songs are the best," which is a recurring theme in Christmas music. The third verse asks what a father will do when he catches his wife kissing Santa Claus, a nod to the classic holiday song of the same name. The final stanza returns to the theme of the holiday merrymaking, with a humorous reference to sledding on a homemade buggy that could result in getting "slayed." Overall, the tone of the lyrics is lighthearted and playful, focusing on the joy and excitement of Christmas.
Line by Line Meaning
Are you hanging up your stocking on the wall?
Are you preparing for the holiday season by displaying traditional decorations such as stockings?
It's the time that every Santa has a ball
This is the season where Santa Claus is busiest.
Does he ride a red-nosed reindeer?
Does Santa Claus use his most famous reindeer, Rudolph, to guide his sleigh?
Does a ton-up on his sleigh?
Does Santa Claus speed on his sleigh to deliver presents quickly?
Do the fairies keep him sober for the day?
Do mythical creatures who love to party, called fairies, help Santa Claus stay sober on Christmas?
So here it is, Merry Christmas
This is the reason we celebrate the joyous occasion of Christmas.
Everybody's having fun
Everyone is enjoying this festive season.
Look to the future now
Prepare for the upcoming events.
It's only just begun
The fun and excitement of Christmas has just started.
Are you waiting for the family to arrive?
Are you eagerly anticipating the arrival of your family?
Are you sure you got the room to spare inside?
Is your home large enough to accommodate all of your guests?
Does your granny always tell ya
Do your grandparents often advise you?
That the old songs are the best?
That classic Christmas songs are better than modern ones?
Then she's up and rock and rollin' with the rest
Then your grandmother excitedly joins in the festivities and starts dancing with the family.
What will your daddy do
What will your father's reaction be?
When he sees your mama kissin' Santa Claus?
When he catches your mother kissing Santa Claus?
Are you hoping that the snow will start to fall?
Do you desire cold weather and falling snow during the holiday season?
Do you ride on down the hillside
Do you slide down a hill using a sled?
In a buggy you have made
In a sled that you have crafted?
And land upon your head, then you been slayed?
If you accidentally fall and hit your head, have you been knocked unconscious?
So here it is Merry Christmas
This is the reason we celebrate the joyous occasion of Christmas.
Look to the future now
Prepare for the upcoming events.
It's only just begun
The fun and excitement of Christmas has just started.
So here it is Merry Christmas
This is the reason we celebrate the joyous occasion of Christmas.
Everybody's having fun
Everyone is enjoying this festive season.
Look to the future now
Prepare for the upcoming events.
It's only just begun
The fun and excitement of Christmas has just started.
So here it is Merry Christmas
This is the reason we celebrate the joyous occasion of Christmas.
Everybody's having fun
Everyone is enjoying this festive season.
Look to the future now
Prepare for the upcoming events.
It's only just begun
The fun and excitement of Christmas has just started.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Lea, Neville Holder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheAlanski
How does this only have 2.6M views? It's one of the most iconic Christmas songs I grew up with in the UK.
@zangified0117
The best brother
@immortalsofar5314
Let me sing you the songs of my people...
@jimmystolemymilk5079
it got 300k more in 5 days
@zoki-kj3ox
Agree complet!
@MicahMG999
Because it's a reupload
@khonrak
It's Christmas eve 2023 & this song still sounds fresh after these past 50 years, God bless these guys for their musical talent & superb songs. Amen ! 🎄🎉😀
@heywoodjerbloume
Heard this on our local radio station on Christmas Day this year in Winnipeg Canada,First heard it at Med school on London in 73.
@S_J_banana
Anyone else listening in 2023?
@singingcrafter1520
Yes me😊