The Wilson sisters and Phillips were friends from childhood, growing up in southern California in the 1970's and 1980's. The three shared a love of music and songwriting, and developed their own style of vocal harmonies. In 1989, producer Glen Ballard and SBK Records signed the trio to a record deal.
Wilson Phillips released their debut album Wilson Phillips in 1990. They shot to fame with their debut single, the # 1 hit "Hold On". The album was a hit, producing three number one singles and selling 10 million copies worldwide.
They released their follow-up album Shadows and Light in 1992. It was much less successful, producing no top ten singles and selling one million copies. Shortly after, the group decided to split up.
During the next decade, the group went their separate ways. Chynna Phillips released a solo album, "Naked and Sacred" in 1995, while the Wilson sisters released a Christmas album in 1993 and an album "The Wilsons" in 1997. Carnie also went on to host her own television talk show, while Phillips married actor William Baldwin. A "Greatest Hits" album was released in 2000, although the group did not officially reunite for this release. Carnie made headlines in 1999 when she underwent gastric bypass surgery live on the internet and lost over 20 dress sizes.
Wilson Phillips reunited in 2004 to release California, an album of cover songs. A single, 'Go Your Own Way,' a remake of the original by Fleetwood Mac, peaked at #13 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The album debuted at #35 on the charts with 31,000 copies sold but due to the lack of promotion the album has yet to reach sales of 100,000 copies. In New Zealand the album was a surprise hit, reaching the top 10 and amassing gold sales following 'Go Your Own Way' topping the adult contemporary radio chart for several weeks.
Christmas
Wilson Phillips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping on your nose,
Yuletide 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 going to 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 its been said many times, many ways,
A very Merry Christmas to you
The lyrics of Wilson Phillips' Christmas song depict a classic and idyllic Christmas scene. The opening lines paint a picturesque image of a cold, winter night with chestnuts roasting on open fires and snowflakes biting at noses, while a choir sings carols and people dress in warm, fur-lined clothing. The song uses familiar and traditional Christmas images, like turkey and mistletoe, to create a warm and festive atmosphere. The verse about tiny tots and their excitement at the thought of Santa coming is a nod to the magic of the holiday.
The lyrics focus on the joy and wonder of Christmas, emphasizing the time of year as a time for all ages. The final verse, "And so I'm offering this simple phrase, to kids from one to ninety-two," conveys the sentiment that Christmas is a time to celebrate unity, kindness, and goodwill towards all. The song's straightforward and sweet nature makes it a holiday classic that fans of all ages can appreciate and relate to.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
It's a cozy and warm holiday season where chestnuts are being roasted, the atmosphere is filled with good vibes and everyone is excited to celebrate it.
Jack Frost nipping on your nose,
The weather is very cold, and frost nipping on your nose is a symbol of winter, indicating that the holiday season is here.
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,
The carols are being sung by everyone, bringing joy and happiness to every home.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People are enjoying the cold temperatures by dressing up in warm clothing, including eskimo attire.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe,
Turkey is a traditional meal of the holiday season, and mistletoe is a symbol of love, bringing people together during this season.
Help to make the season bright.
These things create a cheerful and positive environment during the holiday season.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow,
Children are excited and filled with wonder, seeing the beauty of the season through their eyes, with all the decorations and lights.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
The children are too excited about the upcoming holiday, making it difficult for them to fall asleep.
They know that Santa's on his way,
Children believe that Santa Claus is coming to bring gifts and happiness to all during the holiday season.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh.
Santa Claus has packed his sleigh with gifts and surprises for everyone to make their holiday season special.
And every mother's child is going to spy,
All the children, regardless of status, will try to see Santa Claus's sleigh and the reindeer that pull it through the sky.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
Children's imagination and wonder lead them to wonder if flying reindeer are real, and they will try to see if they truly exist.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase,
The singer is giving a simple message to everyone.
To kids from one to ninety-two,
This message is relevant to everyone, regardless of age.
Although its been said many times, many ways,
The message is a popular one and has been expressed in many different ways over time.
A very Merry Christmas to you.
The singer wishes everyone a happy and joyful Christmas season.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
RC LIVE ACTION
What a beautiful Christmas song :0))
Joe Snow
+RC LIVE ACTION This is the biggest Christmas song in the UK. It gets tons of airplay on all the radio stations and is covered by most of the biggest groups at some point.
bonnie bianco
s;ade is bigger.
clasystems
Roy Wood's Wizzard.
60and 70s hits
@bonnie bianco no tune to Slades and Noddy shouting not singing.
Voula Fisentzidis
Roy Wood's classic Christmas song. Fantastic!
todd paralusz
Love these girls, 3 part beautiful harmony, no swear words, easy to dance too, they did rheir parents proud...hope they put out more music
Cornel Crafts
They are equally as beautiful as their harmony. Thank you Wilson Phillips for sharing your talents to the world. Your music sets the mood for love, peace, appreciation, and makes us forget the negative things going on in the world. Please don't give up making music.
lord daver
+Cornel Crafts
What do you mean "Your music..." This is just a cover of the original by British band Wizzard, recorded in 1973...
Cornel Crafts
lord daver I am simply meaning their singing in general.