Jingle Bells
Sufjan Stevens Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning

If I miss my chance, I didn't even try
I'm not one to regret Christmas in July
If my timing is bad, like a fish on a bike,
Would you let me pretend Christmas in July?

I'm not one to admit, I'm not one to fight,
Maybe I was wrong, but maybe I was right
Like when I went to school


Drinking coffee at night,
And I did what I did, now I do what I like

Open the champagne,
Party and dancin'
You'll know that sadness: very expensive
Do what you want to,
Don't even ask us
Wear it without sin,
Family Damascus

Maybe its the snow, in this winter night
And the winter coat,
The one you never liked
But I'll take the sun and I'll take my kite,
Christmas on the beach, Christmas in July
And I love my friends even if they fight Christmas in July
Just to keep them quiet
And I love you too, I love you through the night
But now you're awake, Christmas isn't right

Don't take offenses,
Come to your senses,
Your confidences straddling fences

If I miss my chance, I didn't even try
I'm not one to regret Christmas in July

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Sufjan Stevens’s "Jingle Bells" offer a whimsical sense of nostalgia that’s almost melancholic in tone. The first few stanzas present a bit of regret, possibly hinting towards a missed opportunity during a holiday season, but ultimately emphasize the importance of living in the moment and not dwelling on the past. The line “If my timing is bad, like a fish on a bike, would you let me pretend Christmas in July?” is particularly evocative and illustrates the sentiment that it’s never too late to celebrate a holiday, even if it’s in the middle of summer.


The song may be a nod to the tradition of Christmas in July which has become increasingly popular over the years, in which individuals celebrate Christmas out of season, during the month of July. The song encourages a sense of continuity, growth, and happiness, and reminds listeners that time is fleeting and it’s important to make the most of every moment. The line “I'm not one to regret Christmas in July” stands out in particular, as it reiterates the importance of acceptance and cherishing special moments, regardless of their timing.


Line by Line Meaning

If I miss my chance, I didn't even try
I'd rather fail trying than miss an opportunity


I'm not one to regret Christmas in July
I don't regret doing unconventional things


If my timing is bad, like a fish on a bike,
Sometimes things just don't work out


Would you let me pretend Christmas in July?
Can we just enjoy ourselves regardless of the time of year?


I'm not one to admit, I'm not one to fight,
I'm not confrontational and I tend to avoid conflicts


Maybe I was wrong, but maybe I was right
I might have made a mistake, but I could also be correct


Like when I went to school Drinking coffee at night,
Sometimes I make odd choices


And I did what I did, now I do what I like
I learn from my choices and take control of my life


Open the champagne, Party and dancin'
Let's celebrate joyously


You'll know that sadness: very expensive
Prolonged grief takes a toll on our wellbeing


Do what you want to, Don't even ask us
You have the right to pursue your interests without seeking approval from others


Wear it without sin, Family Damascus
Be yourself and don't be ashamed of your family background


Maybe its the snow, in this winter night
The snow adds to the charm of the wintry night


And the winter coat, The one you never liked
There are things we might not like but are necessary


But I'll take the sun and I'll take my kite,
I'll enjoy myself in the sun with my kite


Christmas on the beach, Christmas in July
Celebrating Christmas in unconventional ways


And I love my friends even if they fight Christmas in July
I accept my friends' differences and love them unconditionally


Just to keep them quiet
I sometimes indulge my friends for the sake of peacekeeping


And I love you too, I love you through the night
I love you even through the difficult moments


But now you're awake, Christmas isn't right
Now that you're not on board with my celebration, it doesn't feel right


Don't take offenses, Come to your senses, Your confidences straddling fences
Don't take things too personally and see things clearly




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TRAD, Andreas Mattsson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

J Headalso

Earthmover!

More Videos