The Christmas Song
Thomas Hampson/Abbey Road Ensemble/Jonathan Tunick Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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 Christmas Song is a well-known and beloved holiday tune that captures the essence of Christmas through vivid imagery and a heartfelt message to all. The first verse introduces us to the scene of a cozy fire where chestnuts are being roasted while Jack Frost nips at our noses outside. The second line brings in the sound of carols being sung by a choir and the image of people bundled up like Eskimos. Collectively, these images evoke a sense of warmth and joy that are closely associated with the holiday season.


The second verse continues with more concrete images of the season, including turkey, mistletoe, and children with bright eyes eagerly awaiting Santa's arrival. We hear that toys and goodies have been loaded onto Santa's sleigh, and every child is hoping to catch a glimpse of the reindeer flying through the sky. The final verse concludes with a simple message of Christmas cheer that spans generations. The phrase "Merry Christmas to you" is offered to all, from the young to the old, and reminds us of the importance of sharing joy and love with one another during the most wonderful time of the year.


Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Roasting chestnuts on the open fire creates a sense of warmth and coziness that brings everyone together.


Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The harsh coldness of winter makes for a bitterly uncomfortable experience while being outdoors.


Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The festive spirit of Christmas is felt when people gather together to sing carols that celebrate the season.


And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
Dressing up in cozy winter gear such as an Eskimo attire is a fun way to embrace the Christmas season.


Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Traditional Christmas decorations such as turkey and mistletoe make everyone feel more festive and in the spirit of the season.


Help to make the season bright
These decorations bring light and joy, making the holiday season more memorable and enjoyable.


Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Excitement and wonder overtake children's hearts and fills their eyes when they see the magic of Christmas unfolding.


Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
The anticipation of Christmas morning and the presents that come with it will keep children awake with excitement and anticipation.


They know that Santa's on his way
Children know that Santa Claus will be coming with his sleigh filled with toys and gifts on Christmas night.


He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Children are full of anticipation and excitement that Santa will bring them toys and goodies that they have been dreaming of all year.


And every mother's child is gonna spy
Every child is curious about whether Santa Claus is real and will be looking out for him flying through the night sky with his sleigh and reindeer.


To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
Children are fascinated by the idea of flying reindeer and can't wait to see if they really exist on Christmas Eve.


And so I'm offering this simple phrase
The singer is offering a simple and heartfelt Christmas greeting to everyone listening.


To kids from one to ninety-two
This one simple phrase of Merry Christmas is suitable for everyone, regardless of age or background.


Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas is a commonly expressed greeting, but it never loses its value or warmth no matter how many times it is said.


Merry Christmas to you!
The singer wishes the listener a happy and joyful Christmas season, full of warmth, love and laughter.




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
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found