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The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) Lyrics
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, and folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe (will) 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."
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, and folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe (will) help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow will find it hard to sleep tonight
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."
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I believe this is my favorite version of the song, although I am a huge Bing Crosby fan when it comes to Christmas music. Burl Ives, too...the older the better, it appears. Hard to believe in a little more than a month yet another Christmas holiday shall pass.
Don't know who "Lou" is but you're correct. Thanksgiving is almost here! This is defintely one of Nat's best songs. My parents bought the Firestone albums that contained Christmas songs (there was a series of albums and I'm guessing they were distributed yearly). I often see them at old stores (thrift and otherwise) selling vinyl. All the biggest and brightest stars had songs on those records...Ives; Bing; Sinatra; Martin; Andrews; etc. NOTHING beats the old Christmas favorites sung by the best of the best. I practically drool over Christmas music....but only the old songs with the exception of the colaboration...
Don't know who "Lou" is but you're correct. Thanksgiving is almost here! This is defintely one of Nat's best songs. My parents bought the Firestone albums that contained Christmas songs (there was a series of albums and I'm guessing they were distributed yearly). I often see them at old stores (thrift and otherwise) selling vinyl. All the biggest and brightest stars had songs on those records...Ives; Bing; Sinatra; Martin; Andrews; etc. NOTHING beats the old Christmas favorites sung by the best of the best. I practically drool over Christmas music....but only the old songs with the exception of the colaboration between Rogers and Parton (I'll Be Home for Christmas.) It always reminded me of those beautiful New England holiday seasons with snow; the grandparents and cousins; delicious turkey and ham (no friggin' tofu!); my mom's gazillion Christmas decorations (we were the Clampetts and I still am!); having snowman competitions on the street; sledding down large neighborhood hills; and everyone (EVERYONE) being on his/her best behavior Christmas morning. Ahhhh...these old Christmas favorites bring one back to a better time and place when life was so much simpler....
Such a gorgeous song by an amazing vocalists. Perfect for those special holiday times with family and friends round the Christmas tree opening gifts; laughing; sharing special moments; and being hopeful for a wonderful new year filled with many positive changes.
Still no comments on such a great singer...and song? Takes one (or at least me) back to a time of innocence...my parents taking me to a store to sit on Santa's lap, then spending way too much time explaining that Santa was really just "Santa's helper" because Santa can't be away from the North Pole too long. They just never seemed to satisfy me on why Santa's helper wore the same clothing as the big guy:) I once offered to mail him a new outfit so he'd have more than one, but Mom explained that times were rough and we didn't have the money for it:) How wonderful a sweet song like this is during such a special season of giving.
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at 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 a-glow, 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 ev'ry 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.
[musical interlude]
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.
OBVIOUSLY, these just could not be the actual lyrics. OBVIOULSY these are simply lyrics that popped into my mind and DO look good on this page, even if I must say so myself (and I must say so myself:). This is my favorite Nat song (as a child especially). His soothing, romantic, warm voice is perfect for this type of song.
Did not realize until I looked it up that the selling of chestnuts was a popular part of American life. Here's an interesting photo from 1905 (when my grandfather would have been a young child). They sold chestnuts on the streets of busy cities. Now it's knock-off Rolex watches. Here's to a more simple life...http://www(dot)shorpy(dot)com/node/8168
The song (and the picture) need no explanation. Love introducing they young to the holiday music of Nat and his wonderful musical counterparts of that time.