Wonder's single "Fingertips" was a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963, at the age of 13, making him the youngest artist ever to top the chart. Wonder's critical success was at its peak in the 1970s. His "classic period" began in 1972 with the releases of Music of My Mind and Talking Book, the latter featuring "Superstition", which is one of the most distinctive and famous examples of the sound of the Hohner Clavinet keyboard. His works Innervisions (1973), Fulfillingness' First Finale (1974) and Songs in the Key of Life (1976) all won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, making him the tied-record holder for the most Album of the Year wins, with three. He is also the only artist to have won the award with three consecutive album releases. Wonder began his "commercial period" in the 1980s; he achieved his biggest hits and highest level of fame, had increased album sales, charity participation, high-profile collaborations (including Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson), political impact, and television appearances. Wonder has continued to remain active in music and political causes.
Wonder is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with sales of over 100 million records worldwide. He has won 25 Grammy Awards (the most by a solo artist) and one Academy Award (Best Original Song, for the 1984 film The Woman in Red). Wonder has been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is also noted for his work as an activist for political causes, including his 1980 campaign to make Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a federal holiday in the U.S. In 2009, he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and in 2014, he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Wonder was born Stevland Hardaway Judkins in Saginaw, Michigan, on May 13, 1950, the third of five children born to Lula Mae Hardaway, and the second of Hardaway's two children with Calvin Judkins. He was born six weeks premature which, along with the oxygen-rich atmosphere in the hospital incubator, resulted in retinopathy of prematurity, a condition in which the growth of the eyes is aborted and causes the retinas to detach, so he became blind.
Christmastime
Stevie Wonder Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's Christmas time and its wonders appear
The scent of pine fills the Christmasy air
While the church bell chimes and there's joy everywhere
Some precious gift (some precious gift)
Lights a little one's eyes (lights a little one's eyes)
God's blessed lived (God's blessed lived)
This Christmas time, keep its magic right here
Within your heart everyday of the year
(Some precious gift)
(Lights a little one's eyes)
(God's blessed lived)
(Stays the weary and wild)
This Christmas time, keep its magic right here
Within your heart everyday of the year
The lyrics to Stevie Wonder's song "Christmastime" celebrate the joy and magic of the Christmas season. The opening lines set the scene as Wonder sings of the presence of magic during this time of year. This is followed by a reference to the many wonders that appear during Christmas, from the scent of pine to the sound of church bells chiming. The song then turns to emphasize the importance of spending time with loved ones and sharing in the joy of the season. Wonder sings of the way in which a special gift can bring light to a child's eyes and how the blessings of God can bring comfort to the weary and wild. Finally, the song concludes with the hope that the magic of Christmas will remain in our hearts throughout the year.
The lyrics of "Christmastime" are infused with a sense of wonder and awe, reflecting Wonder's own deep connection to the holiday season. The song celebrates the many joys of Christmas, from the small pleasures like the smell of pine, to the larger and more profound gifts of love, hope, and faith. The song's imagery is rich and evocative, conjuring up the sights, sounds, and emotions of the holiday season.
Overall, "Christmastime" is a beautiful and heartwarming song that captures the essence of the Christmas spirit. Through its lyrics, we are reminded of the joy, wonder, and magic that can be found in this special time of year, and of the importance of cherishing these gifts all year long.
Line by Line Meaning
It's Christmas time and its magic is here
The holiday season has arrived and its enchanting atmosphere surrounds us.
It's Christmas time and its wonders appear
The miracles and blessings of this special time come into our lives.
The scent of pine fills the Christmasy air
The aroma of evergreens permeates the festive atmosphere during this holiday season.
While the church bell chimes and there's joy everywhere
The sound of bells ringing in the church fills the air with happiness, and people are celebrating all around.
Some precious gift (some precious gift)
There is a special present or blessing (not specified) that brings joy and hope.
Lights a little one's eyes (lights a little one's eyes)
The special gift brings happiness and wonder to a child's eyes, possibly referring to a Christmas toy or the concept of Santa Claus.
God's blessed lived (God's blessed lived)
The blessings of God's love and grace give life a deeper meaning and purpose.
Stays the weary and wild (stays the weary and wild)
The troubles and difficulties of life do not disappear during the holiday season, but the blessings of this time help to sustain and inspire us.
This Christmas time, keep its magic right here
The hope is that people will hold onto the joy and blessings of the holiday season throughout the year.
Within your heart everyday of the year
The true spirit of Christmas can and should be kept in one's heart every day of the year, not just during the holiday season.
Lyrics © NEIL A KJOS MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: Sol Selegna
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cheryl Rowland Hall
on Isn't She Lovely
Dedicated to my lovely daughter, Amy Kathleen Rawson, the lovely child who helped mom to grow up!