Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
The Temptations Lyrics


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You know there's Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen
Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen
Oh, but do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?
Whoa

His name is
Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows

All of the other, other, other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games

(Then one foggy Christmas Eve)
You know (Santa came to say)
(Hey Rudolph)

You, with your nose so bright
Come on, come on, come on
Come on and guide my sleigh tonight
Then how the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee (hey Rudolph)
Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
You'll go down in history

(Then one foggy Christmas Eve)
Santa came to say
(Hey Rudolph)
You, with your nose so bright
Come on, come on, come on, come on and guide my sleigh tonight
Then how the reindeers loved him
As they shouted out with glee (hey Rudolph)
Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
You'll go down in history

Hey, Rudolph, come on and guide my sleigh
Ooh, Rudolph, come on and guide my sleigh




Hey, hey, Rudolph, come on and guide my sleigh tonight
Hey, hey, Rudolph, won't you guide my sleigh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Temptations' "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" tell the story of a unique and special reindeer named Rudolph. While there are many other reindeer that are mentioned in the song, Rudolph is the one that stands out due to his bright and shiny red nose. Despite being different, Rudolph is a talented and valuable member of Santa's team, able to guide the sleigh through even the thickest fog. However, the other reindeer are unkind to him, mocking and excluding him from their games. But on one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa realizes the value of Rudolph's special attribute and asks him to lead the way. The other reindeer then see how important Rudolph is and come to love and accept him, shouting out with glee and ensuring that Rudolph and his red nose will go down in history.


This song is a classic Christmas tune that has been enjoyed by generations of listeners. It not only tells a heartwarming story of acceptance and the importance of individuality, but it also reminds us of the joy and magic of the holiday season. The lyrics and melody of this song are catchy and easy to sing along with, making it a popular choice for caroling, school performances, and family sing-alongs during the Christmas season.


Line by Line Meaning

You know there's Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen
The singer is listing other popular reindeers.


Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen
The singer continues to list other popular reindeers.


Oh, but do you recall
The singer is asking listeners if they remember something important.


The most famous reindeer of all?
The singer is asking listeners to remember the most famous reindeer.


Whoa
The singer is expressing surprise and excitement.


His name is
The singer is introducing the famous reindeer by his name.


Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
The famous reindeer is named Rudolph and has a red, shiny nose.


Had a very shiny nose
The singer is emphasizing that Rudolph's nose is particularly shiny.


And if you ever saw it
The singer is posing a hypothetical situation in which someone sees Rudolph's nose.


You would even say it glows
The singer is emphasizing that Rudolph's nose shines brightly like it's glowing.


All of the other, other, other reindeer
The singer is referring to all the other famous reindeer mentioned earlier.


Used to laugh and call him names
The other reindeer would make fun of Rudolph and tease him by calling him names.


They never let poor Rudolph
The other reindeer never allowed Rudolph to participate in their reindeer games.


Join in any reindeer games
The singer is emphasizing that Rudolph was excluded from any and all reindeer games.


(Then one foggy Christmas Eve)
The singer is setting the scene for a particular event that happened on a foggy Christmas Eve.


You know (Santa came to say)
The singer is indicating that Santa Claus came to talk to Rudolph.


(Hey Rudolph)
The singer is indicating that Santa Claus is addressing Rudolph directly.


You, with your nose so bright
Santa Claus is acknowledging Rudolph's trademark red, shiny nose.


Come on, come on, come on
Santa Claus is encouraging Rudolph to take action.


Come on and guide my sleigh tonight
Santa Claus is asking Rudolph to lead his sleigh on this particular foggy night.


Then how the reindeer loved him
The other reindeer, who previously made fun of Rudolph and excluded him, now have a newfound appreciation and admiration for him.


As they shouted out with glee (hey Rudolph)
The other reindeer are expressing their joy and admiration for Rudolph.


Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
The singer reiterates Rudolph's name and trademark red nose.


You'll go down in history
The singer is suggesting that Rudolph's achievement of leading Santa's sleigh on that foggy Christmas Eve will be remembered forever.


Hey, Rudolph, come on and guide my sleigh
Santa Claus is again urging Rudolph to lead his sleigh on this foggy Christmas Eve.


Ooh, Rudolph, come on and guide my sleigh
Santa Claus is vocally expressing his excitement and anticipation for Rudolph to lead the way.


Hey, hey, Rudolph, come on and guide my sleigh tonight
Santa Claus is again urging Rudolph to guide his sleigh on this specific night, emphasizing the urgency.


Hey, hey, Rudolph, won't you guide my sleigh
Santa Claus is again asking Rudolph to guide his sleigh, this time framing it as a request rather than urging or cheering.




Lyrics ยฉ ST. NICHOLAS MUSIC INC., Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Johnny Marks

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

James Ferris

The Temptations were the masters of harmony. During the MowTown days when so many great artist were introduced these guys were my favorite.

Deborah McCoy

The. Weโ€™re The Quintessential Of Harmony And Soul; There Will Never Be Another R&B Group To Match Or Even Come Close To Matching Their Talent. Much โค To All The Members Of The Group, Past And Present.

Danny Wilson

Jom.

Amanda Outlaw

The Temptations are the best ever. Love them to pieces! Merry Christmas everyone! 2020

Rhonda Woodhouse

Wow! Love Eddieโ€™s vocals! โ™ฅ๏ธ

Will Cartoons

There can only be one Temptations ๐Ÿ™‚ The best R&B group that was ever assembled!

mechell mcclain

Always will be the best Christmas album ever to me. โค

Marcus Anderson

I can listen to this timeless classic all year round not just for Christmas!

Derice Portley

This song by the temptations will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit..for sure ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ’•

Timothy McClain

I love this version by the incredible Temptations! And the video compliments the song very well.

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