The Miracles (known from 1965 to 1972 as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles) … Read Full Bio ↴The Miracles (known from 1965 to 1972 as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles) are an American rhythm and blues group from Detroit, Michigan, notable as the first successful group act for Berry Gordy's Motown Records. The Miracles went on to become one of Motown's signature acts of the 1960s, during which time their original lead singer and founding member Smokey Robinson became one of the most successful songwriters and record producers of all time.
During their nineteen year run on the American music charts, The Miracles charted over fifty hits and recorded in the genres of doo wop, soul, disco, and R&B. Twenty-six Miracles songs reached the Top Ten of the Billboard R&B singles chart, including four R&B number ones. Sixteen of the Miracles' songs charted within the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100, with seven songs charting within the Top Ten and two - 1970's "The Tears of a Clown" and 1975's "Love Machine" (Part 1) - reaching number-one.

Original members:

Ronald "Ronnie" White (1955–1978, 1980–1983, 1993–1995 (died 1995)
Warren "Pete" Moore (1955–1978) (died 2017)
William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. (1955–1972)
Claudette Robinson (1956 - 1972, 2005 -2011)
Marvin "Marv" Tarplin (1958 - 1973) (died 2011)

The Christmas Song
The Miracles Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
Jack Frost nipping at your nose,
Yuletide songs being sung by a choir,
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow

Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
They know that Santa's on his way,
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh.
And every mother's child will want to spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
For kids from one to ninety-two,
Although it's been said many times, many ways,

Merry Christmas to you.
They know that Santa's on his way

Overall Meaning

The Miracles' "The Christmas Song" paints a vivid picture of the sights and sounds of a classic Christmas celebration. The first stanza describes the coziness of the holiday season, with chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at people's noses. The contrast of warmth and coldness creates a beautiful imagery of the essence of winter. The reference to yuletide songs being sung by a choir, and people wearing Eskimo-inspired clothing gives a strong sense of togetherness, whether it's through caroling or simply huddling together in the cold.

The second stanza tells us that everyone knows what makes Christmas bright: a turkey and mistletoe. The joy brought by the turkey and the mild embarrassment caused by being caught under the mistletoe are staples of any Christmas celebration. Additionally, the stanza emphasizes the wonder of a child's Christmas, with their eyes aglow at the sight of twinkling lights and the anticipation of Santa Clause's arrival. Every child knows that if they wish hard enough, Santa will come, and their hearts are filled with excitement at the thought of him coming with all sorts of gifts.

The chorus of the song is perhaps the most well-known part, as the repeated phrase "Merry Christmas to you" has become a tradition of closing any holiday celebration. The song reiterates that Christmas is an essential component of people's lives, regardless of their age. Although the lyrics have been said many times and in many ways, they remain relevant and cherished.

Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
The holiday season is here and people are warming up by an open fire with some roasted chestnuts.

Jack Frost nipping at your nose,
The cold winter weather brings a biting sensation to your nose, as if a frosty character named Jack is nipping at it.

Yuletide songs being sung by a choir,
A group of singers is joyously singing songs associated with the Christmas season.

And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People are wearing thick, warm clothing resembling the traditional garb of Inuit peoples who are experts at staying warm in harsh climates.

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe Help to make the season bright.
Turkey feasts and decorations of brightly-colored mistletoe are universally recognized symbols of the holiday season.

Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
Excited young children with wide-open eyes will have a difficult time drifting off into slumber tonight.

They know that Santa's on his way, He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh.
Children are certain that Santa Claus is making preparations to deliver piles of toys and treats to them using his famous flying sleigh.

And every mother's child will want to spy To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
All children, without exception, are eager to catch a view of Santa's reindeer taking off into the sky, to confirm that they truly possess the magical power of flight.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase For kids from one to ninety-two,
I’m sharing a concise message with persons at all stages of life, from the very young to the elderly.

Although it's been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you.
Although these words have been spoken repeatedly, in various manners, I extend to you warm wishes and a message of 'Merry Christmas.'

Lyrics © Ceylon Records, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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