Opening
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas - Danny Elfman Lyrics


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'Twas a long time ago, longer now than it seems
In a place that perhaps you've seen in your dreams
For the story that you are about to be told
Began in the holiday worlds of old

Now, you've probably wondered where holidays come from
If you haven't, I'd say it's time you begun
For holidays are the result of much fuss
And hard work for the worlds that create them for us
Well, you see now, quite simply that's all that they do
Making one unique holiday, especially for you




But once, a calamity ever so great occurred
When two holidays met by mistake

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Opening" from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, composed by Danny Elfman, set the stage for the enchanting and whimsical story that is about to unfold. It introduces us to a fantastical world where holidays are created and celebrated.


The song begins with a nostalgic tone, emphasizing that the events of the story happened a long time ago, seemingly even longer than we remember. The setting is described as a place we may have glimpsed in our dreams, hinting at the magical and otherworldly nature of the holiday worlds.


The lyrics then invite us to ponder the origins of holidays. It suggests that holidays are not random occurrences but rather the result of meticulous planning and hard work by the worlds that create them. This highlights the importance and significance of holidays in our lives.


However, the lyrics take an intriguing twist as they reveal that a calamity occurred when two holidays accidentally collided. This unexpected event sets the stage for the central conflict of the story, where the singer, Jack Skellington, discovers Christmas and becomes enchanted by its spirit.


Overall, the lyrics of "Opening" provide a mystical and captivating introduction to the story, inviting us into a world where holidays hold great importance and where the unexpected collision of two celebrations will bring about a journey of self-discovery and transformation.


Line by Line Meaning

'Twas a long time ago, longer now than it seems
Many years have passed since the events I am about to narrate, even longer than it may appear


In a place that perhaps you've seen in your dreams
This takes place in a location that may feel familiar, as if it belongs in your subconscious


For the story that you are about to be told
Prepare yourself to hear the tale that is about to unfold


Began in the holiday worlds of old
The origins of this story trace back to the ancient realms dedicated to various holidays


Now, you've probably wondered where holidays come from
It is quite likely that you have pondered the origins of holidays in the past


If you haven't, I'd say it's time you begun
If you haven't started reflecting on this matter, now is the perfect moment to begin


For holidays are the result of much fuss
I must inform you that holidays require an extensive amount of preparation and commotion


And hard work for the worlds that create them for us
The imaginative realms responsible for their creation put in great effort to bring them to life for our enjoyment


Well, you see now, quite simply that's all that they do
In essence, their purpose and primary task revolve around this endeavor


Making one unique holiday, especially for you
Crafting a singular holiday experience tailored solely for your delight


But once, a calamity ever so great occurred
However, on a particular occasion, a tremendous and disastrous event took place


When two holidays met by mistake
Due to an unfortunate error, two distinct holidays crossed paths




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DANNY ELFMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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