The group took off after being signed to Capitol Records in 1952 at the insistence of high profile fan, Stan Kenton. They remained popular throughout the 50s and early 60s, releasing a wide array of successful albums, movie and television appearances and performing countless sold-out concerts. The band eventually lost mainstream attention with the emergence of the British pop bands of the 1960s, even though they managed to stay together even after the retirement of final original member Bob Flanigan in 1992.
As of 2001, the Freshmen have been composed of Bob Ferreira, Brian Eichenberger, Curtis Calderon, and Vince Johnson. Although the new lineup of the Four Freshmen have continued the legendary vocal tradition of the original band and perform many of the same standards, the current sound has more of a lounge sound rather than focusing primarily upon harmonies. This modernized sound has proven quite successful, as the group won Down Beat magazine's reader's poll award for Vocal Group of the Year in 2000, proving the quartet's prominence in the jazz world today.
Christmastime Is Here
The Four Freshmen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all, that children call
Their favorite time of year
Snowflakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there
Christmas time is here
Families drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there
Christmas time is here
Families drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
A favorite time of year
The Four Freshmen's song "Christmastime Is Here" is a nostalgic ode to the joyous and festive holiday season. The lyrics evoke a warm, cozy atmosphere, as we hear of "snowflakes in the air," "yuletide by the fireside," and "joyful memories." It speaks of a time when families draw near and a spirit of happiness and cheer fills the air. However, despite the merriment of Christmas, the song suggests that this same spirit should be carried throughout the year: "Oh, that we could always see such spirit through the year."
The first verse of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics, with its emphasis on the happiness and excitement that surrounds Christmastime. It highlights how children eagerly await this time of year and how it is a favorite among them. The second verse, however, is more reflective, and it takes us back in time, implying that Christmastime is a time to remember the love and dreams of the past. The third verse resumes the festive mood, with the sound of sleigh bells and beauty everywhere. The song concludes with a sense of longing for the same spirit to carry us through the rest of the year.
Overall, the message of the song is clear: Christmastime is a special and cherished period, but the joy and love that surround it should not be limited to just one season. It is a reminder to carry that same spirit of happiness and cheer throughout the year.
Line by Line Meaning
Christmas time is here
The season of Christmas has arrived
Happiness and cheer
People are feeling happy and joyful
Fun for all, that children call
It's a time of fun and enjoyment especially for children
Their favorite time of year
Christmas is the most loved and anticipated time of the year for kids
Snowflakes in the air
The weather is cold and snow is falling
Carols everywhere
Christmas songs are being played or sung all around
Olden times and ancient rhymes
References to old traditions and customs are being talked about
Of love and dreams to share
The topics of conversation are centered around love and shared dreams
Sleigh bells in the air
The sound of bells ringing from a sleigh is heard
Beauty everywhere
The surroundings are full of beauty and wonder
Yuletide by the fireside
The Christmas season spent enjoying the warmth of a fire
And joyful memories there
Everyone is creating happy memories together
Christmas time is here
The season of Christmas is still present
Families drawing near
Families are coming together to spend time
Oh, that we could always see
If only we could always experience this kind of spirit and togetherness
Such spirit through the year
We wish that the happy and joyful spirit of Christmas could be felt all year long
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, LEE MENDELSON FILM PROD., INC., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lee Mendelson, Vince Guaraldi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind