"King" Yellowman as he is known, is one of the most popular reggae artists … Read Full Bio ↴"King" Yellowman as he is known, is one of the most popular reggae artists to have come from Jamaica. Born as Winston Foster in 1959, in Kingston, Jamaica, he was also an alumnus of the Alpha Boy's school where many reggae artists and musicians got their early musical training. Yellowman, nicknamed for his albino appearance, got his start in the late 1970's as a young DJ (toaster or rapper). He built his early career around the fact that he was an albino, and his audiences accepted him for his self-effacing humor and lyrical cleverness. He won the annual Tastee Talent contest held in Jamaica in 1978, and within a matter of months became a headlining act on Jamaican stage shows. His records were both witty and relevant, and his slack lyrics were as prevalent as the strong social commentary he could record. His first few albums recorded with (the recently late) producer Henry "Junjo" Lawes were released internationally on the UK label, Greensleeves in the early 80's. After Bob Marley's death in 1981, Yellowman became one of the most popular Reggae artists, and the new "dancehall" style that he performed was taking hold in Reggae. He was successful with tours in the UK and US, and in the mid 80's, his success led to a recording contract with CBS/Columbia Records for his album "King Yellowman." His popularity waned a bit in the late 80's but he continued to work hard by releasing an album a year and constantly touring the world gaining new fans. In the early 90's he fought and won a bout with cancer, and today is as strong and fit as ever, performing in front of sold-out crowds on tour 4-5 months per year with his long time backing band, the Sagittarius Band. His last release in 1997, "Freedom Of Speech," on RAS Records gained Yellowman his first Grammy nomination. Here on this all new CD, "Yellow Fever," King Yellow is produced by another member of Reggae royalty, King Jammys.

Yellowman Rock
Yellowman Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
Snowing, and blowing up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun

jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancing and prancing in jingle bell square

In the frosty air

what a bright time, it's the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go riding in a one-horse sleigh

giddy up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a mingle to a jinglin' beat
That's the jingle bell rock

(Jing rock, jing rock, yeah, jing rock, jing rock, jing rock, jing rock, jing rock, jing rock)

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancing and prancing in jingle bell square
In the frosty air

What a bright time, it's the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go riding in a one-horse sleigh

Giddy up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a mingle to a jinglin' beat
That's the jingle bell, that's the jingle bell, that's the jingle bell, that's the jingle bell rock

The jingle bell rock
That's the jingle bell rock (yeah)
Jingle bell, jingle bell.

Merry christmas, happy holidays
Merry christmas, happy holidays

How's that for a Christmas song?

Overall Meaning

"Yellowman Rock" is a reggae version of the classic Christmas song, "Jingle Bell Rock" originally recorded by Bobby Helms in 1957. Yellowman adds his own Jamaican flair to the song with his distinct vocals and reggae beat. The lyrics describe the joy and excitement of the Christmas season, particularly the joy that comes with jingling bells and riding in a one-horse sleigh.

The song begins with the classic "Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock" chorus, followed by the verse "snowing, and blowing up bushels of fun." This line brings to mind the familiar image of snow falling and people playing in it, creating memories and having fun. The lyrics continue with mentions of the "jingle hop" and "jingle bell time," inviting listeners to join in the merriment and dance along to the jingling beat.

The chorus repeats with additional verses, including the famous line "giddy up jingle horse, pick up your feet" which inspires images of sleigh rides through the snow. The song ends with an upbeat repetition of the chorus, leaving the listener feeling energized and ready to celebrate.

Overall, "Yellowman Rock" is a fun and festive song that puts a unique spin on a classic Christmas tune. With its catchy chorus and lively beat, it's sure to get anyone in the holiday spirit.

Line by Line Meaning

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
The song begins with an intro to the jingle bell rock genre using repeated jingle bells sound

Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
The bells are announcing the start of the holiday season

Snowing, and blowing up bushels of fun
The snow and blowing wind are making the holiday season an enjoyable time

Now the jingle hop has begun
The start of the holiday season marks the beginning of the jingle hop dance

Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
The bells are ringing in tune with the festive season

Dancing and prancing in jingle bell square
People are enjoying the festive season by dancing and jumping around a decorated location known as the jingle bell square

In the frosty air
The atmosphere is chilly and cold due to the winter weather

What a bright time, it's the right time
The holiday season is an excellent time to have fun, spread joy, and be happy

To rock the night away
The holiday season is a time to enjoy every moment, stay up late, and have fun

Jingle bell time is a swell time
The sound of the bells is a pleasant and enjoyable experience

To go riding in a one-horse sleigh
People should have fun by riding a sleigh pulled by a single horse during the holiday season

Giddy up jingle horse, pick up your feet
The horse pulling the sleigh must move its feet at a faster pace

Jingle around the clock
People should have fun dancing and moving all around during the holiday season

Mix and a mingle to a jinglin' beat
People should meet, socialize and dance together while keeping pace with the jingle bells beat

That's the jingle bell rock
The song's theme is about spreading joy, having fun, socialization, and dancing away in the holiday season

(Jing rock, jing rock, yeah, jing rock, jing rock, jing rock, jing rock, jing rock, jing rock)
Repeating a catchy phrase helps people to remember the song

Merry christmas, happy holidays
The song ends with a cheerful season's greetings message to spread joy and happiness to everyone

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell.
The song ends with a final bell chime to signify the end of the holiday song

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JEREMY FREDERICK LANNING, JOSEPH BEAL, JAMES BOOTHE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS