Joel the Lump of Coal
The Killers Lyrics

Some time ago, at Santa's place
This story takes place a while back in Santa's abode

Up in the old North Pole
The location of the story is the North Pole

There lived a lump of anthracite
There was a block of coal in this place

Whose parents called him Joel
This block of coal was named Joel by its parents

Joel, Joel, the lump of coal
This coal block is referred to as Joel throughout the story

Happy as a lump can be
Joel was content with his life at the North Pole and probably didn't know what was coming his way

He just wants to keep Santa warm
Joel's purpose in life was to provide heat to Santa

And make the elves cozy
In addition to keeping Santa warm, Joel was also supposed to provide warmth for the elves

But Santa Claus had other plans
However, Santa had different intentions for Joel

For Joel one fateful day
This change of events occurred on a particular, significant day

"Joel, you're just the lump I need
Santa found the perfect use for Joel

Come join me on my sleigh"
To achieve his goal, Santa asked Joel to accompany him on his sleigh ride

Heart leapt up with joy
Joel was thrilled by this sudden change of events

"I'll soon be Santa's present to
Joel thought he was going to be a gift

A lucky girl or boy
He believed that he would bring joy to some fortunate child

We'll laugh and play together
The happy child and Joel would have fun together

And hold each other tight
They would embrace and be affectionate to one another

Snuggle under clean white sheets
They would sleep cozily under fresh, white sheets

When we go to sleep at night"
This snuggling would occur at bedtime

Then Santa's elves all laughed at Joel
The other creatures at the North Pole mocked Joel

"You're in for a surprise
The elves believed that Joel was in for a shock

You're not a special Christmas gift
Joel was not an ordinary present

You're just a booby prize
He was nothing more than an unwanted, useless, or even harmful reward

What kid would ever want you?
The elves thought that no kid would receive Joel with excitement

You're filthy as can be
To complicate matters, Joel was dirty or unclean

Now you have to go and live
As a result, Joel was kicked out of the North Pole

With one who's been naughty"
He was paired with someone who didn't behave well

"But I make heat," poor Joel cried
As a defense, Joel explained what he was good for

"And electricity"
He could even produce electric power

"You pollute the air
But Santa's creatures criticized Joel over his ecological impact

With CO2 and mercury"
Specifically, they pointed out how he releases greenhouse gases and toxic elements

Fell down upon his knees
This negative feedback was devastating for the coal block

"I don't wanna live with a naughty kid
Joel, who meant well, didn't want to be in contact with bad behavior

Don't make me, Santa, please"
He begged Santa not to force him on this kid

Ho, ho, you stupid lump
Santa Claus didn't listen to Joel's plea and instead made fun of him

You're just the thing to teach this brat
However, Santa thought that Joel was actually the perfect solution to this kid's problems

So off they flew and, before he knew
Despite his reluctance, Joel was taken away with this naughty boy

Joel was in a sack
He was thus put in a bag or container for transport

He cried and yelled to Santa Claus
Joel expressed his disappointment and sadness to Santa

"Why don't we just go back?"
He wanted to return to the North Pole

And then came Christmas morning
Some time afterwards, it was finally Christmas day

Much to Joel's surprise (Much to Joel's surprise)
What followed next was unexpected for Joel

He saw a boy with the saddest face
This kid wasn't happy, to Joel's understatement

And tears were in his eyes (Tears were in his eyes)
He was actually crying

He picked Joel up and held him
However, he interacted with Joel in a manner better than anyone else has ever done

And said "You can be my friend
He befriended Joel not because of material gifts, but because of emotional support

(Hey man, let's be friends)
He expressed this invitation in modern slang

I would've liked some presents but
He admitted that he would've enjoyed some traditional gifts too

You're what Santa chose to send (Santa chose to send)
Regardless, this coal was a precious, unique jewel in its own way for him

It's true, I've been a naughty boy
He accepted his misbehavior

And maybe that's a sin (Maybe that's a sin)
He acknowledged the possibility that he did something wrong

If this is how Santa treats the kids
He questioned or expressed skepticism over Santa's generosity or sense of justice

I'm just glad that I'm not him"
He was relieved and happy that he wasn't in Santa's position and didn't have to deal with any problems himself

Knew what he must do
At this point, Joel knew what he needed to do

"Now I know the reason why
He realized that there was a higher purpose for him being with this boy

I got sent to you
That reason was to make this boy's hardships bearable

Cause when a person hurts inside
Joel understood why this boy was naughty

It turns him hard and cruel
By painful experiences, people can become bitter and mean

But I know how to make your pain
However, Joel had the ability to ease this boy's pain

Into a precious jewel
In fact, he would transform or convert that pain into something valuable

So take me in your hand, young man
He offered himself to this boy, inviting him to use him as he intended

And squeeze with all your might
He instructed him to use his strength to apply pressure on Joel

Let's turn your pain and anger
Through that physical process, Joel would transform those negative emotions

Into something that shines bright"
And create something beautiful out of that process

He gave his life away
Joel sacrificed himself for the benefit of this boy

So that one good naughty little boy
Through that sacrifice, this boy became something better

Had a diamond on Christmas day
This boy ended up with a precious stone that would remind him of his better self and a selfless act that transformed him