Jean moved to Brooklyn, New York when he was nine, then to Northern New Jersey, where he began playing the guitar and studying jazz in his high school. In 1987, Jean, his friend (so close they told people they were cousins growing up) Prakazrel Michel (Pras) and his classmate, Lauryn Hill, formed a group called the Tranzlator Crew before becoming The Fugees. Wyclef worked as a cabdriver.
Recently he has been finding success as a collaborator - with his turn on Shakira's 2006 track 'Hips Don't Lie' hitting number one in many countries around the world.
In August of 2010, Jean announced his intent to seek the presidency of Haiti. This move came after his increasingly-high profile humanitarian work in the wake of the earthquake that devastated that nation.
Merry Christmas Baby
Wyclef Jean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Merry Christmas, baby, you really did treat me nice
Bought me a hi-fi for Christmas, now I'm living in paradise
Well, I'm feelin', mighty fine, I got good music on my radio
Well, I feel so fine, I got good music on my radio
Yes, I want to hug and kiss you baby
While you're standing beneath the mistletoe.
Left all these pretty presents that you see before me
Merry Christmas baby, you really been good to me.
I will always love you baby
Now I'm happy as I can be.
In Wyclef Jean's rendition of the blues classic "Merry Christmas Baby," the song's narrator reflects on the wonderful Christmas gift he received from his lover that has changed his life forever. Notably, the singer comes across as someone who may have been going through a tough time before the Holidays. However, the gift, which is portrayed as a hi-fi, has now transformed his existence, and he's living in paradise. The singer's happiness is further enhanced by good music on his radio that makes him feel fine. He then expresses his love and desire for his partner under the mistletoe or otherwise, highlighting the romantic undertones of the song. Lastly, he acknowledges Santa Claus's role in leaving the presents on his behalf, as he sings that Santa came down the chimney at half-past three and left all the pretty presents he can see.
Line by Line Meaning
Merry Christmas, baby, you really did treat me nice
Addressing a loved one, expressing gratitude for being good to him/her during Christmas.
Bought me a hi-fi for Christmas, now I'm living in paradise
Elated about receiving a hi-fi as a Christmas gift, making his life a paradise with good music.
Well, I'm feelin', mighty fine, I got good music on my radio
Feeling happy and content listening to good music on the radio.
Yes, I want to hug and kiss you baby
While you're standing beneath the mistletoe.
Expressing love and desire to kiss and hug his partner standing below the mistletoe.
Santa came down the chimney, 'bout a half past three
Left all these pretty presents that you see before me
Narrating how Santa brought pretty gifts and left them before him late in the night
Merry Christmas baby, you really been good to me.
Thanking his partner again for being good to him on Christmas.
I will always love you baby
Now I'm happy as I can be.
Expressing his love for his partner and indicating that receiving good presents on Christmas has made him very happy.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHNNY DUDLEY MOORE, LOU BAXTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind