The Christmas Song

In this episode - The Christmas Song . . .

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 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.

"The Christmas Song" (commonly subtitled "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire") is a classic holiday tune that Mel Tormé and Bob Wells wrote. It was first penned in 1944 during a sweltering hot summer. The songwriters were trying to escape the heat by imagining wintry scenes. Mel Tormé jotted down the lyrics in about 40 minutes while Bob Wells crafted the music.

The song was first recorded in 1946 by Nat King Cole. However, Bing Crosby's version, recorded in 1946 and released in 1947, truly popularized the song. Crosby's velvety voice and warm delivery instantly resonated with listeners, making his rendition one of the most adored versions of the song.

Crosby's iconic “The Christmas Song" recording was performed with the John Scott Trotter Orchestra and the Ken Darby Singers. It was initially released as part of the album "Merry Christmas," featuring another of Crosby's famous Christmas songs, "White Christmas." The song became an instant hit and has since become a holiday classic, played extensively during the festive season. Its nostalgic, cozy lyrics and beautiful melody evoke the warmth and joy of Christmas traditions for many people worldwide.

I’m Patrick Ball. Merry Christmas! See you in the next episode.

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