Signed to DreamWorks Records Nashville in 1998, Keith released his breakthrough single "How Do You Like Me Now?!" in late 1999. This song, the title track to his 1999 album of the same name, was the #1 country song of 2000, and one of several chart-toppers during his tenure on DreamWorks Nashville. His next three albums, Pull My Chain, Unleashed, and Shock'n Y'all, produced three more #1's each, and all of the albums were certified 4× Platinum. A second Greatest Hits package followed in 2004, and after that, he released Honkytonk University.
When DreamWorks closed in 2005, Keith founded the label Show Dog Nashville, which merged with Universal South Records to become Show Dog-Universal Music in December 2009. He has released ten studio albums through Show Dog/Show Dog-Universal: 2006's White Trash with Money, 2007's Big Dog Daddy, 2008's That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy, 2009's American Ride, 2010's Bullets in the Gun, 2011's Clancy's Tavern, 2012's Hope on the Rocks, 2013's Drinks After Work, 2015's 35 MPH Town, 2017's The Bus Songs, and 2021's Peso in My Pocket, as well as the compilation 35 Biggest Hits in 2008. Keith also made his acting debut in 2006, starring in the film Broken Bridges, and co-starred with comedian Rodney Carrington in the 2008 film Beer for My Horses, inspired by his song of the same name. On February 5th, 2024, Toby passed away from a 3 year battle with Stomach Cancer.
The Christmas Song
Toby Keith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
In Toby Keith's song "The Christmas Song," he paints an idyllic picture of Christmas, complete with chestnuts roasting on an open fire, the icy touch of Jack Frost, and carolers regaling us with sweet songs of the Yuletide season. He comments on how everyone knows that a turkey and some mistletoe will make the holiday brighter, and he notes how kids' excitement during Christmas is almost palpable with their glowing eyes and anticipation for Santa's arrival. He believes that every mother's child will stay awake on Christmas Eve, hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa and his flying reindeer.
However, Keith offers a simple message of goodwill and cheer to those who are young and young at heart. He acknowledges that even if the sentiment has been mentioned many times before, the joy of Christmas never loses its luster, with its festive decorations and joyous soundtracks. His final words, "Merry Christmas to you," are meant to bring the warmth of love and celebration to all those listening.
Overall, Toby Keith's "The Christmas Song" is a heartwarming tribute to the holiday season and all its wonders. It encourages us to find the beauty in the simple things and embrace the joy that Christmas can bring to people of all ages.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The gentle heat of chestnuts cooking amid the embers brightens up the atmosphere around the hearth
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Frosty weather is around as the cold air is biting your skin and making it numb
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The beautiful melodies of religious hymns sung at Christmastime are resonating through the air
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everyone is all bundled up in layers of clothing to stay warm against the frigid temperature
Everybody knows a turkey
The traditional roasted bird is an integral part of the Christmas festivity and everyone expects it to be there
And some mistletoe
The sweet romance of a kiss under the mistletoe helps to enhance the holiday mood
Help to make the season bright
These classic Christmas trappings bring joyousness and light to the days between the years
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
The little kids are super excited and curious about the gifts that will be arriving from the North Pole
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
Such is their eagerness for the Santa Claus and his presents that they will find difficult to nod off
They know that Santa's on his way
The kids are sure that the one and only Santa Claus is on his way to bring the presents
He's loaded lots of toys
Santa's bag is packed with cute playthings, dolls, puzzles, and games for the children
And goodies on his sleigh
He also has plenty of candies, chocolates and other treats for the children to relish
And every mother's child is gonna spy
The innocent kids will be peeping out of their windows or sneaking around the living room to catch a glimpse of Santa in action
To see if reindeer
They are curious about the magical flying creatures that pull Santa's sleigh
Really know how to fly
It's perplexing how these reindeer can soar through the skies with ease
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
This is a straightforward expression of gratitude and good wishes for the holiday season
To kids from one to ninety-two
This song is for all age groups and genders - the playful kids, the loving parents, and caring grandparents
Although it's been said
It's not the first time heard, but it still holds a special resonance
Many times, many ways
This loving sentiment can be expressed in countless manners, over and over again
Merry Christmas to you
Wishing everyone a joyful and blissful Christmas filled with celebrations, love, and friendship
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BARRY ANTHONY ANDREWS, ROBERT JAMES WILLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind