Born Vincent Anthony Dellaglio in San Francisco, the "city by the bay" would remain Guaraldi's base of operations throughout his life, with Guaraldi eventually becoming a significant proponent of west coast jazz. Guaraldi's first recorded work was as part of trio with Cal Tjader in 1953. By 1955, Guaraldi had formed his own trio; in contrast to his later, more well-known work, his earlier music was decidedly morose and classically-inspired, as well as lacking drum accompaniment. Moreover, his actual compositional output was vastly outnumbered by cover versions.
Inspired by the 1959 film Black Orpheus, the trio recorded an album featuring renditions of songs from its soundtrack, as well as original compositions inspired by the film; one such original song, "Cast Your Fate to the Wind", became an award-winning best seller of its time, peaking at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100. Subsequent vocal versions (with lyrics by Carel Werber) also charted. "Cast Your Fate..." also ensured Guaraldi's hiring as composer for a number of planned animated adaptations of the world-famous Peanuts comic strip.
Guaraldi's first composition for Peanuts was "Linus and Lucy", a theme for the characters of Lucy and Linus van Pelt, which he first played over the phone to producer Lee Mendelson. Featured in the famous "dancing scene" from A Charlie Brown Christmas, it has been mistakenly assumed by many to be the "Peanuts Theme", when in fact Guaraldi never composed such a theme; the specials tended to have their own individual themes. Regardless, it would become Guaraldi's greatest-known work, being among the most recognizable pieces of music in the world.
A Charlie Brown Christmas, the first proper animated outing for the Peanuts franchise, became an unexpected success upon its first airing, thanks in no small part to Guaraldi's timeless score, mixing holiday standards with original tunes with Guaraldi's laid-back, acoustic jazz style. One particular song from the album, "Christmas Time Is Here", has become a Christmas standard in its own right. It has remained a steady yearly seller for almost five decades, and has never been out of print.
As the '60s began to come to an end, Guaraldi became enamored with electronic sounds and synthesizer devices, in particular the Fender Rhodes brand electric piano, which would color his scores for Peanuts specials as well. Though the recorded output through the duration of his life would remain lamentably small, Guaraldi continued to play live on a regular basis, more than happy to mix his Peanuts music with jazz standards and contemporary pop music.
On February 6, 1976, while between sets at the night spot Butterfield's in Menlo Park, Vince Guaraldi died of causes variously attributed to either an aortic aneurysm or a heart attack. The last song he ever performed was a cover version of "Eleanor Rigby" by The Beatles. He had completed his underscore for the special It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown that very same day. Music from Peanuts was played over a public announcement system at his funeral.
Mostly owing to the jazz establishment changing its focus towards New York and more experimental forms of jazz, the melodically-minded Guaraldi never gained much recognition from jazz critics and peers of his time. Nevertheless, Guaraldi's music grows more and more appreciated with each passing year; historians have observed that scores of musicians and fans alike have attributed their love of jazz to watching, and listening to, Peanuts specials as children. Scores for subsequent Peanuts specials tend to feature at least one Guaraldi original; a testament to his importance to the specials.
The Christmas Song
Vince Guaraldi 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
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
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!
The Christmas Song by Vince Guaraldi Trio is a classic Christmas song that paints a magical picture of the season with its lyrics. The song starts with the image of chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose, setting the scene for a cozy, warm Christmas night. The second line imbibes a wintery feel with the reference to Jack Frost. The reference to Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir and folks dressed up like Eskimos builds an atmosphere of festivity and cheerfulness.
The next lines refer to some of the most cherished aspects of Christmas - turkey, mistletoe, and children. These are the things that help make the season bright, and the sight of little children with their eyes all aglow fills everyone's hearts with joy. The last two lines hint at the excitement, anticipation, and magic that Christmas brings, with the arrival of Father Christmas, his sleigh loaded with toys and goodies. Every mother's child will try to catch a glimpse and see if the reindeer truly know how to fly.
Finally, the song concludes with a simple yet memorable phrase wishing kids from one to ninety-two a very Merry Christmas. Though it has been said many times and in many ways, the message remains as heartfelt and warm as it did when it was first sung.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Picture yourself in front of a cozy fire, roasting chestnuts to perfection.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The cold winter air tingles on your nose and cheeks, reminding you of Jack Frost's presence.
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The sound of traditional holiday songs fills the air as a choir harmonizes beautifully.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everyone is bundled up in warm, furry clothing like Eskimos to stay comfortable in the chill.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
At Christmastime, it's common knowledge that turkey and mistletoe add to the festivity.
Help to make the season bright
These holiday staples light up the season with joy and merriment.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Young children are filled with wonder and glee as they anticipate the magic of this time of year.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
The excitement of Christmas Eve will make it difficult for kids to drift off to sleep.
They know that Santa's on his way
Every child knows that Santa Claus is coming to deliver presents and spread joy.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
St. Nick is bringing a sleigh full of wonderful toys and treats for children to enjoy.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Kids can't wait to peek out and see if they can spot Santa and his reindeer.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
The magic of Christmas includes the wonder of seeing flying reindeer delivering presents around the world.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
As a token of my appreciation, I want to share this heartfelt message with people of all ages.
To kids from one to ninety-two
This holiday greeting is for everyone, from the youngest children to the oldest adults.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
This well-known message is a classic that stands the test of time and is shared in countless ways.
Merry Christmas to you!
May your Christmas be full of love, laughter, and all the happiness the season has to offer.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind