Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire
The Philadelphia Orchestra And Chorus Lyrics


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Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols 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 is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two




Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you!

Overall Meaning

The song, "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" paints a vivid picture of a cozy holiday setting, where chestnuts are roasting on the fire, and Jack Frost is nipping at your nose. The singer can hear the sounds of yuletide carols being sung by a choir, and people are dressed up in warm coats, hats, and perhaps fur-lined Eskimo boots. As the song progresses, the lyrics describe how a turkey and some mistletoe can brighten the holiday season. Even the little tots are excited, their eyes aglow, making it difficult for them to sleep. The renowned "Santa Claus" is coming to town, with his sleigh loaded with toys and goodies, and every child, even the mothers' child, is eager to spy if Santa's reindeer can fly. Finally, the song delivers a simple message of goodwill to everyone, that despite many different ways of saying Merry Christmas, it's still an evergreen way of spreading peace and joy.


Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Roasted chestnuts are being cooked over an open flame


Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The cold winter weather is causing your nose to feel numb


Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
A group of singers are singing songs related to the Christmas season


And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People are wearing warm clothing that resembles the garments worn by Eskimos


Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
It is commonly known that one should have a turkey and mistletoe during this time of year


Help to make the season bright
These holiday traditions bring joy to the season


Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Young children with bright eyes full of excitement


Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
The anticipation of Christmas morning will make it difficult for children to fall asleep


They know that Santa's on his way
Children are aware that Santa Claus is coming to deliver gifts


He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa has put many gifts and treats on his sleigh to deliver


And every mother's child is gonna spy
All children are going to try to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus


To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
Children are curious about whether or not Santa's reindeer can actually fly


And so I'm offering this simple phrase
The singer is presenting a straightforward message


To kids from one to ninety-two
This message is intended for individuals of all ages


Although it's been said many times, many ways
This message may have been expressed frequently in different variations


Merry Christmas to you!
Wishing you a joyful and festive Christmas celebration




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ADOLPHE ADAM

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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