Santa Claus
e. e. cummings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town, gather 'round
He's making a list
And checking it twice
Santa Claus is comin' to town
He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake
Oh you better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Santa Claus is comin' to town
He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake
Oh you better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
He's making a list
And checking it twice
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice
Santa Claus is comin' to town
The lyrics to e. e. cummings's song "Santa Claus in town" convey the excitement and anticipation surrounding Santa Claus's visit during the holiday season. The song begins with a warning to the listener to be on their best behavior, as Santa Claus is coming to town. The repetition of "You better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout" emphasizes the importance of being well-behaved and avoiding any negative emotions. The emphasis on good behavior is further emphasized in the lyrics "He's making a list and checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty and nice." This line suggests that Santa Claus keeps track of everyone's actions and determines whether they have been good or bad.
The song also plays with the idea that Santa Claus knows everything, with the lyrics "He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows if you've been bad or good." This reinforces the message that one should behave properly not only when awake but also when asleep, as Santa is always aware. The repetition of "be good for goodness sake" further emphasizes the importance of being well-behaved purely for the sake of being good.
Overall, the song serves as a lighthearted reminder to children (and perhaps adults) to be on their best behavior during the holiday season in order to have a chance at receiving gifts from Santa Claus.
Line by Line Meaning
You better watch out
Pay close attention and be cautious
You better not cry
It's advisable to refrain from shedding tears
Better not pout
Avoid displaying discontent or dissatisfaction
I'm telling you why
Allow me to elucidate the reasons
Santa Claus is comin' to town, gather 'round
Santa Claus is approaching the vicinity, assemble together
He's making a list
He is in the process of creating an inventory
And checking it twice
Examining it diligently, not missing any detail
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice
Determined to uncover those who exhibit misbehavior and those who exhibit virtue
He sees you when you're sleeping
He possesses the ability to observe you during your slumber
He knows when you're awake
He is aware of your alertness
He knows if you've been bad or good
He is cognizant of whether you have shown wickedness or goodness
So be good for goodness sake
Therefore, act virtuously for the sake of goodness itself
Oh you better watch out
Oh, it is highly recommended to remain vigilant
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Santa Claus is approaching the vicinity
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Santa Claus is approaching the vicinity
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Santa Claus is approaching the vicinity
He sees you when you're sleeping
He possesses the ability to observe you during your slumber
He knows when you're awake
He is aware of your alertness
He knows if you've been bad or good
He is cognizant of whether you have shown wickedness or goodness
So be good for goodness sake
Therefore, act virtuously for the sake of goodness itself
Oh you better watch out
Oh, it is highly recommended to remain vigilant
You better not cry
It's advisable to refrain from shedding tears
Better not pout
Avoid displaying discontent or dissatisfaction
I'm telling you why
Allow me to elucidate the reasons
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Santa Claus is approaching the vicinity
He's making a list
He is in the process of creating an inventory
And checking it twice
Examining it diligently, not missing any detail
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice
Determined to uncover those who exhibit misbehavior and those who exhibit virtue
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Santa Claus is approaching the vicinity
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Coots, Haven Gillespie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind