The Christmas Song
The Philadelphia Orchestra And Chorus Lyrics


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Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide 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 Christmas Song" is a classic holiday tune that captures the essence of Christmas. The song is about the joy and excitement of the Christmas season, as well as the traditions that come with it. The opening lyrics, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose," evoke a warm, cozy feeling that is synonymous with Christmas time. The image of chestnuts roasting on an open fire conjures up visions of a family gathered together around a crackling fire, while the nippy air outside adds to the overall atmosphere of warmth and comfort.


The second verse of the song talks about the other Christmas traditions that most people are familiar with, such as singing yuletide carols and dressing up in winter clothes like Eskimos. The mention of turkeys and mistletoes also evoke the popular images associated with the season. The final verse of the song is about the excitement and anticipation felt by children on Christmas Eve, awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus and his reindeer. The song ends with the songwriter offering a simple phrase of holiday cheer to everyone, regardless of their age.


Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Roasting chestnuts on an open fire provides warmth and comfort on a cold winter night


Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The cold winter air is biting and can cause discomfort


Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
The joyous sounds of Christmas carols being sung bring warmth and cheer to everyone's hearts


And folks dressed up like Eskimos
People are bundled up in warm, cozy clothes to survive the frigid temperatures of winter


Everybody knows a turkey and some
A traditional holiday meal often includes a turkey, and the presence of food adds to the festivities


Mistletoe help to make the season bright
The tradition of hanging mistletoe adds a playful element to the season, as people steal kisses underneath it


Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
The excitement of Christmas is palpable in children's eyes, as they eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus


Will find it hard to sleep tonight
The anticipation of Christmas morning makes it difficult for children to fall asleep on Christmas Eve


They know that Santa's on his way
Children firmly believe in the magic of Santa Claus and eagerly await his arrival


He's loaded lots of toys and goodies
Santa Claus brings presents and treats to all the children who have been good throughout the year


On his sleigh
Santa Claus travels in his magical sleigh pulled by reindeer to deliver presents to children around the world


And every mother's
Every caring parent wants their child to experience the joy and wonder of the holiday season


Child is gonna spy to see if
Children are always curious about how Santa Claus delivers presents and are eager to catch a glimpse of him in action


Reindeer really know how to fly
The magic of Christmas is such that even reindeer can fly, adding to the wonder of the season


And so, I'm offering this
In the spirit of Christmas, I offer this heartfelt message


Simple phrase to kids from
A simple message of goodwill conveyed to children of all ages


One to ninety-two
The message of Christmas is for everyone, young and old alike


Although' it's been said many times
The message of Christmas is timeless and is worth repeating over and over again


Many ways; "Merry Christmas to you"
There are many ways to express holiday cheer, but the sentiment remains the same: wishing everyone a Merry Christmas




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Kelly Coleman

Boy, this brings back memories of my childhood. My folks bought this album when it was released and we played it often. I think everyone did. Sixty years ago. Wow, I’m old. 😄🎅

Christmas Records

Your folks had good taste!

F. B.

Same! This was my childhood and adolescent Christmas album. We played it every Christmas! Beautiful album.

Katherine M.

Me too….ha. We played favorite albums on Christmas Eve, this being one of them.

Lisa M Hege

59.5 ...✌🙏👼🌼👵can'T relate...lol..FOLKS indeed 🙏💜💕🌼🇺🇸🐑🐎🦅🎁📯🎶🎹🎵🎻🎻

Diane Thompson

I just wanted to say how much I am enjoying his channel. This is my favorite kind of Christmas music; I don't care for contemporary music that much. I also love to read the comments about the memories people have regarding each album. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Records

Glad you enjoy. Merry Christmas!

Michelle Godwin

By far the most magnificent traditional Christmas Album ever recorded! As a teenager I used to listen to this for hours, while decorating the tree, wrapping gifts preparing Christmas Dinner etc. What excuisite interpretations and arrangements by Maestro Eugene Ormandy known as the "Philadelphia Sound!" It isn't Christmas without 1962's The Glorious Sound of Christmas!! 🎄 🔔 🔔 ⛄ 🎶 🎵 🎻 🥁 🎺

Christmas Records

Glad you enjoy. I think of this as the Star Wars (Williams) of Christmas Music.

Maria K

We always played this album at Christmas. It's just beautiful! Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra, Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops, and Percy Faith and his orchestra. Just wasn't Christmas without this great music.

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