A Holly Jolly Christmas
Sufjan Stevens Lyrics


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La la la, la la, la la

Have a holly jolly Christmas
It's the best time of the year
I don't know if there'll be snow
But have a cup of cheer

Have a holly jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet

Ho ho the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me

Have a holly jolly Christmas
And in case you didn't hear




Oh by golly have a holly jolly Christmas
This year

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Sufjan Stevens's cover of "A Holly Jolly Christmas" capture the festive spirit and the joyousness that comes with the holiday season. Stevens invites his listeners to embrace the holiday season and to revel in the joy it brings. He starts the song on a high note, exclaiming "have a holly jolly Christmas, it's the best time of the year," setting the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics are upbeat and optimistic, and they build on the theme of togetherness that is so inherent in the holiday season. Stevens encourages listeners to share in the delight of the season by greeting friends and strangers with warmth and cheer as they go about their day.


The lyrics also contain a fun romantic element. Stevens sings about the mistletoe, urging listeners to take advantage of it and reminding them that someone might be waiting for them there. He asks them to kiss her once for him, underscoring the idea of love and companionship that is so synonymous with the holidays. In short, the lyrics to "A Holly Jolly Christmas" are a lighthearted celebration of the season, filled with exuberance, kindness, and a sense of joy.


Line by Line Meaning

La la la, la la, la la
Vocalization of melody


Have a holly jolly Christmas
Wishing someone a happy and joyful Christmas


It's the best time of the year
Indicating that Christmas is an enjoyable and celebrated time of the year


I don't know if there'll be snow
Uncertainty regarding snowy weather during Christmas


But have a cup of cheer
Encouraging people to have a cheerful and happy spirit


And when you walk down the street
When you are walking outside


Say hello to friends you know
Greeting familiar friends


And everyone you meet
Greeting anyone who crosses path


Ho ho the mistletoe
Exclamation regarding the presence of mistletoe


Hung where you can see
Placed conspicuously for display


Somebody waits for you
Someone is waiting for a kiss under the mistletoe


Kiss her once for me
Asking someone to give a kiss to their partner


And in case you didn't hear
In the event that the message was not received earlier


Oh by golly have a holly jolly Christmas
Wishing for a fun-filled and happy Christmas




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, ST. NICHOLAS MUSIC INC., Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Johnny Marks

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Udaywhatisthisbehaviour

I wish sufjan saw this comment and knew he has touched the life of a boy half way across the world

@Udaywhatisthisbehaviour

Love these!

@bp-lg2co

so unique! thanks

@1Kent

That had a bit of a beetles quality to it.😁

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