Lumberjack Christmas / No One Can Save You From Christmases Past
Sufjan Stevens Lyrics


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Oh, no, the rugged soul
The great backyard and the cold North Pole
I resent that Santa went and
Left us in the Alamo
Would you like to stay a while and dance with me?
Would you like to wrap the gifts and have a drink?

The only condition (I know the one)
I've got the premonition (I've got a clue)
That Christmas is a vision (For Christmas)
Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho
If drinking makes it easy (So pass one here)
The music's kinda cheesy (And sing a cheer)
The specials on the TV (Especially)
Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho

Dreams go and stay below
The cattle call and the old dark soul
I respect that Santa left
To save his kids from the winter cold
Would you like to stay a while and dance with me?
Mistletoe and chestnuts roasting on the street

The only condition (I know the one)
I've got the premonition (I've got a clue)
That Christmas is a vision (For Christmas)
Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho
If drinking makes it easy (So pass one here)
The music's kinda cheesy (And sing a cheer)
The specials on the TV (Especially)
Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho

No one can save you from Christmases past
You'll have to love it or leave it at last
No one can save you from Christmases past
You'll have to love it or leave it at last




No one can save you from Christmases past
You'll have to love it or leave it at last

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Sufjan Stevens's song Lumberjack Christmas / No One Can Save You From Christmases Past depict the mixed emotions that come with the holiday season. In the first verse, he mentions the ruggedness of the outdoors and the cold North Pole, which could be a reference to the harshness of winter weather. He then expresses resentment towards Santa for leaving them at the Alamo, which could symbolize a feeling of abandonment. Despite these negative emotions, he invites someone to stay and dance with him, and asks if they would like to wrap gifts and have a drink, which shows a desire for companionship and warmth during the holidays.


The second verse focuses more on the past and the memories associated with Christmas. Sufjan mentions dreams that "go and stay below", which could refer to the idea that some dreams are unfulfilled but still linger in the subconscious. He also expresses respect for Santa leaving to save his kids from the winter cold, which indicates a recognition of sacrifices made during the holiday season. The verse ends with a description of chestnuts roasting on the street, which is a classic imagery associated with Christmas. The chorus repeats the idea that "no one can save you from Christmases past", emphasizing the importance of learning to love or let go of past experiences.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, no, the rugged soul
Expressing a sense of concern towards a strong and tough personality


The great backyard and the cold North Pole
Referencing two contrasting locations, one domestic and the other remote and frigid


I resent that Santa went and Left us in the Alamo
Feeling bitter towards Santa Claus leaving them in a difficult situation


Would you like to stay a while and dance with me?
Asking someone if they would like to spend more time together and engage in dancing


Would you like to wrap the gifts and have a drink?
Asking someone if they would like to assist in wrapping presents and share a beverage


The only condition (I know the one)
Referring to a specific requirement or expectation


I've got the premonition (I've got a clue)
Having a feeling or insight about something that may occur


That Christmas is a vision (For Christmas)
Suggesting that Christmas exists as a grand idea or ideal


Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho
The famous chant of Santa Claus, symbolizing Christmas cheer


If drinking makes it easy (So pass one here)
If consuming alcohol can make things more relaxed, requesting a drink


The music's kinda cheesy (And sing a cheer)
Acknowledging that the holiday music can be considered corny, but still singing along


The specials on the TV (Especially)
Referring to the holiday programs on television, particularly


Dreams go and stay below
Dreams are left unrealized or unfulfilled


The cattle call and the old dark soul
Referring to commercial and materialistic aspects of Christmas, as well as a somber attitude


I respect that Santa left To save his kids from the winter cold
Acknowledging Santa's obligation to attend to his own family, even if it means taking him away from others


Mistletoe and chestnuts roasting on the street
Depicting traditional holiday images such as kissing under the mistletoe and roasting chestnuts


No one can save you from Christmases past
No one can erase or change past experiences associated with Christmas


You'll have to love it or leave it at last
In the end, deciding whether to embrace or reject the memories and traditions of Christmas




Contributed by Camilla I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@tidiarr

Seasonal banger

@henriquecosta9268

One, two, three, four!
Oh no, the rugged sew
The great back yard, and the cold North Pole
I resent that Santa went and left us in the Alamo
Would you like to stay a while and dance with me?
(Would you like to stay a while and dance with me?)
Would you like to wrap the gifts and have a drink?
(Would you like to wrap the gifts and have a drink?)
The only one condition, I've got the premonition
That Christmas is a vision, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho
If drinking makes it easy (so have one here)
The music's kind of cheesy (and share our cheer)
The specials on the TV (the specials on the TV screen)
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho
The dreams go, and stay below
Cattle call, and the old dark sew
I respect that Santa left, to save his kids from the winter cold
Would you like to stay a while and dance with me?
(Would you like to stay a while and dance with me?)
Mistletoe, and chestnuts roasting on the street
(Mistletoe and chestnuts roasting)
The only one condition, I've got the premonition
That Christmas is a vision, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho
If drinking makes it easy (so have one here)
The music's kind of cheesy (and share our cheer)
The specials on the TV (the specials on the TV screen)
No one save you from Christmas's past
You'll have to love him, or leave him at last
No one can save you from Christmas's past
You'll have to love him, or leave him at last
No one can save you from Christmas's past
You'll have to love him, or leave him at last
No one can save you from Christmas's past
You'll have to love him, or leave him at last
No one can save you from Christmas's
Santa clause can save you. I love Santa Clause. He saved Christmas from the Martians. He gave them good gifts. Santa Claus saved us from the Martians. He gave them lots of kisses, and presents. I love Santa Claus. Fun things to eat. Hi. Candy canes, marshmallows, popcorn balls. I love you Santa Claus

@SecilayDemir

Lovely💜

@2K10stang

Foot tapping Christmas song!

@topologyrob

Bob Dylan, I want you (little quotation in there)

@vminweddingcaterer3675

THE GUILTY UNDERTAKER SIGHSSS

@vminweddingcaterer3675

happy xmas sad indie girlies

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