The Christmas Song
Will downing (Holiday) Lyrics


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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 lyrics of Will Downing's "The Christmas Song" evoke a warm and festive atmosphere that is synonymous with Christmas. The first verse paints a vivid picture of a cozy winter scene, with chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose. It sounds like a quintessential wintertime gathering with friends and family, where yuletide carols are being sung by a choir, and everyone is dressed up like Eskimos. With these images, Downing conjures a nostalgic and comforting feeling that is familiar to many people during the holiday season.


The second verse takes a playful tone as it references the typical items that help to make Christmas bright. Everyone knows that a turkey and some mistletoe are essential, and even tiny tots with their eyes all aglow find it hard to sleep on Christmas night, knowing that Santa is on his way with lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh. The verse ends with the idea that every mother's child will be spying to see if reindeer really know how to fly. This whimsical touch adds to the magical quality of the song and leaves listeners feeling uplifted and filled with anticipation for the holiday.


Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The chestnuts are being roasted on a fire that is unobstructed, which creates a classic and delightful Christmas scene.


Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Jack Frost, a personification of winter's frosty chill, is causing a biting sensation on your nose in the cold climate.


Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
A group of people singing traditional and seasonal songs related to Christmas, also known as Yule-tide, with immense joy and enthusiasm.


And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People are wearing warm and thick clothing similar to what Eskimos wear to keep themselves warm in the cold weather.


Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
It is a universally known fact that having a turkey for dinner and hanging mistletoe in the house are two common practices during Christmas season.


Help to make the season bright
The presence of these things brings cheer and brightness to the overall atmosphere of the holiday season.


Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Young children, whose eyes light up with excitement and wonder during the holiday season.


Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
These children will have trouble going to sleep because of their excitement and anticipation for Christmas day.


They know that Santa's on his way
The kids believe and eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus, who brings gifts and joy to children all around the world.


He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa Claus has packed his sleigh with abundant gifts and treats for all the good children in the world.


And every mother's child is gonna spy
Every child, regardless of their age or social status, wants to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus distributing gifts and spreading happiness on Christmas eve.


To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
Children have a fascination for flying reindeer, and they are curious to see for themselves if these creatures can actually fly with Santa's sleigh.


And so I'm offering this simple phrase
The following statement I'm about to make is straightforward but heartfelt.


To kids from one to ninety-two
This phrase is being addressed to everyone, irrespective of their age, including both children and adults.


Although it's been said many times, many ways
This phrase is a conventional one and has been stated using different ways and in different contexts numerous times before.


Merry Christmas to you!
I wish you all a joyous and cheerful Christmas!




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd
Written by: MEL TORME, ROBERT WELLS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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