Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Sufjan Stevens Lyrics


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You better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town!

He's making a list
He's checking it twice
He's gonna find out
Who's naughty or nice
Santa Claus is coming to town!

He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake

Oh, you better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town!

He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake

Oh, you better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town!
Santa Claus is coming to town!

Watch what you're doing
Always improving
He keeps his eyes on the prize of your spirit

He's in the window




Gathering info
He keeps his eyes on the prize of your personal

Overall Meaning

growth


In this classic Christmas tune, Sufjan Stevens provides his own interpretation of the traditional Santa Claus is Coming to Town song. The song tells the story of Santa Claus's arrival and how he is constantly watching over everyone to keep track of who has been naughty or nice. The lyrics serve as a reminder that Santa Claus is always keeping tabs on children's behavior, and if they want to receive gifts on Christmas day, they better be on their best behavior.


The main theme of the song is about the importance of being a good person. The lyrics urge listeners to be good for goodness sake, implying that the rewards of behaving well extend beyond just receiving gifts from Santa Claus. The line "He's in the window, gathering info" suggests that Santa Claus is always observing our actions, even when we are not aware of it. The song creates a sense of magic and wonder around the idea of Santa Claus, while also instilling a sense of accountability in the listener, reminding them that their actions have consequences.


Line by Line Meaning

You better watch out
Watch what you're doing. Always improving. He keeps his eyes on the prize of your spirit


You better not cry
No need to hide away. He sees you every day. Making a judgment if you're bad or great


You better not pout
So show your best side. If you want to glide. Through Christmas season without any hate


I'm telling you why
For Santa's on the way, and he'll come to play. So listen closely, before it's too late


Santa Claus is coming to town!
Be on your best behavior, show the world your good nature. Santa's watching just to grade ya


He's making a list
Watch what you're doing. Always improving. He keeps his eyes on the prize of your personal growth


He's checking it twice
He's in the window, gathering info. He keeps his eyes on the prize of your personal growth


He's gonna find out
No need to hide away. He sees you every day. Making a judgment if you're bad or great


Who's naughty or nice
So show your best side. If you want to glide. Through Christmas season without any hate


He sees you when you're sleeping
So don't close your eyes. And don't put on a guise. Behave like a person with grace and style


He knows when you're awake
For Santa is aware. And he truly does care. If you're naughty or nice, mile after mile


He knows if you've been bad or good
Making a judgment if you're bad or great. So show your best side. If you want to glide


So be good for goodness sake
For Santa's on the way, and he'll come to play. So listen closely, before it's too late




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Coots, Haven Gillespie

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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