The San Francisco-based trio was first formed around 1954, then in a piano-guitar-bass configuration. Starting with the release of the group's self-titled debut album on Fantasy in 1956, Guaraldi would remain on the label for some time. Guaraldi's early recordings were decidedly low-key and morose compared to the work for which he would become famous, but his trademark melancholy and distinctive instrumental voicings, including his deep basslines, were indelible parts of his aesthetic framework from the very beginning.
Influenced by the Brazilian film Black Orpheus (1959)--whose soundtrack was a large part of the impending Bossa nova craze--the trio recorded the album Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus (1962), having by this point settled into their now familiar piano-bass-drums lineup. The album featured renditions of songs from the film, as well as a number of originals; one such song was "Cast Your Fate to the Wind" which would, within a year, become one of the most commercially successful jazz instrumentals of its time, notably winning a Grammy for Best Instrumental Song. Several vocal versions (with lyrics by Carel Werber) would also achieve significant success.
It was thanks to Guaraldi's hit song that he was discovered by Lee Mendelson who wanted him to write music for Peanuts animation. Guaraldi's first Peanuts assignment was the music for the ill-fated Schulz documentary A Boy Named Charlie Brown. Though the special was never aired and remained unavailable to the public for several decades, the music was released as the album Jazz Impressions of A Boy Named Charlie Brown (1964). For later reissues, the album was retroactively renamed after the documentary.
Despite a troubled production process, 1965 saw the premiere of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Guaraldi's ground-breaking amalgamation of Christmas music and his own unique brand of jazz was an inexorable part of the special's unforeseen success; the soundtrack, featuring originals alongside Guaraldi's interpretations of standards, continues to amass impressive sales even now. One of the songs from the special, "Linus and Lucy" (featured in the special's famous "dancing scene"), would become the de facto theme of Peanuts animations, often mistakenly referred to as the "Peanuts Theme". Another song on the soundtrack, "Christmas Time Is Here" (with lyrics by Mendelson), has become a Christmas standard in its own right.
With the passing of the '60s, Guaraldi began experimenting more and more with different sonic textures for his music, having all but replaced his acoustic piano with various electronic keyboards, most notably the Fender Rhodes. Consequently, Guaraldi would, less and less, perform and record within the context of a trio. While it was never "officially" disbanded, and Guaraldi still used this configuration from time to time, the group inevitably dissolved upon Guaraldi's untimely death in 1976.
Peanuts specials made subsequent to his death often reuse Guaraldi's recordings, or original music inspired heavily by Guaraldi's iconic scores; a testament to his importance to the identity of Peanuts. More importantly, generations of people have cited Guaraldi's inventive and playful jazz as their formative experience with the genre, imbuing a spark of the love of jazz in untold numbers of listeners that only seem to increase the more time goes by.
Christmas Time is Here (vocal
Vince Guaraldi Trio Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the year
Snowflakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there
Christmas time is here
We'll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year...
The Vince Guaraldi Trio's "Christmas Time is Here" is a classic holiday song that brings a sense of joy and nostalgia. The lyrics capture the essence of what makes Christmas a magical time of year. The opening line, "Christmas time is here" sets the tone for the festive celebrations that ensue. The chorus evokes feelings of happiness and cheer that accompany the season, and one can't help but feel swept up in the excitement.
The verse "Fun for all that children call, their favorite time of year" reminds us that Christmas is about more than just presents and decorations. It's a time to spend with family, create new memories, and take part in traditions that have been passed down through generations. The second verse, "Snowflakes in the air, carols everywhere, olden times and ancient rhymes of love and dreams to share" places us in the wintry landscape of the holidays with twinkling snowflakes and familiar holiday tunes. The reference to "olden times and ancient rhymes" harks back to Christmas traditions that have been celebrated for centuries, evoking a sense of the timeless magic that surrounds the season. It also reminds us to cherish the memories of holidays past and to pass on these traditions to future generations.
The third verse, "Sleigh bells in the air, beauty everywhere, Yuletide by the fireside and joyful memories there," paints a cozy scene, depicting the warmth and joy that comes with gathering around a fireplace with loved ones. The sleigh bells in the background give the song a playful edge, evoking cheerful images of Santa and his reindeer. The final verse, "Christmas time is here, we'll be drawing near, Oh, that we could always see such spirit through the year" carries a message of hope and goodwill that rings true throughout the year. The song culminates with a longing to keep the spirit of Christmas alive, not just for a few short weeks but throughout the year.
Line by Line Meaning
Christmas time is here
The season of Christmas has arrived
Happiness and cheer
There is a general feeling of joy and celebration
Fun for all that children call
Kids enjoy this time of year more than any other
Their favorite time of the year
Christmas is the most beloved holiday for children
Snowflakes in the air
It is snowing outside
Carols everywhere
Christmas songs can be heard all around
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Reminiscing on the traditions and stories of Christmas past
Of love and dreams to share
These memories are full of love and hope for the future
Sleigh bells in the air
The sound of jingling bells can be heard
Beauty everywhere
The world seems more beautiful during Christmas time
Yuletide by the fireside
Gathering with loved ones by the warm fire is a cherished tradition
And joyful memories there
These moments create happy memories that will last a lifetime
We'll be drawing near
We will soon be coming together to celebrate
Oh, that we could always see
It would be wonderful if we could always witness
Such spirit through the year
A sense of joy, love, and unity like that of Christmas time every day
Oh, that we could always see
It would be wonderful if we could always observe
Such spirit through the year...
This hope for continual positivity and togetherness carries on
Lyrics © LEE MENDELSON FILM PROD., INC.
Written by: LEE MENDELSON, VINCE GUARALDI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@anonunknown933
As children, we were happy because we had nothing else to lose.
It is to our horror when we learn why all those adults were so sad.
And it is to our horror when it is longer we but they.
The days crept away. We were slowly stripped of who we were.
We are frogs boiled-cooked, sad, and dead.
Maybe that's why some of the adults hate children,
They didn't hate us back then, they envied us.
Why is such a small portion of life more significant than the rest?
Are the later days meant for us to wallow in the past?
Maybe it's because we can't let go. Those memories.
And so as we forget to let go we lose what children have.
Nothing.
But.
Potential.
@Dr.scottcase88
Born in 1955, sadly today all my immediate family and extended family as well as friends most of them anyway, have passed away and I am alone. However when I hear those children sing this song I am instantly transported back to around 1966 or 1967 at Christmas time. It brings back to me a visceral sense of happiness and contentment as if my voice is among those of the children singing. It’s quite magical actually. Peace.
@alpera9054
Hope you had a Merry Christmas ! Have a Happy New Year
@Patricksdoorbell
I'm sorry that they passed away. Have a happy new year!
@gbot3377
I lost all my loved ones too. I would be most happy to talk with you anytime. I wish there was a place where people are crushed by loss could talk with others going through the same. :(
@Dr.scottcase88
Thank you for the kind offer and I may take you up on it at some point down the road. Currently I am recovering from a full knee replacement in a rehab center. Ironically I am a licensed psychologist and happen to be blind.
@gbot3377
@@Dr.scottcase88 You are welcome, and anytime you are up to it sir.
@andinonyong2149
I really miss being a kid on Christmas
@manuelorozco7760
IKR! When you didn't feel the stressful side of the holidays and no one complained until the presents were unwrapped
@pattigee1
You could take your inner kid out for a walk, a hot chocolate, and look at the christmas windows and lights, maybe.
@resmarted
I miss being a kid