The Secret of Christmas

Johnny Mathis

About The Secret of Christmas

"The Secret of Christmas" is a popular Christmas song, written by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen for Bing Crosby, and first performed by Crosby in the 1959 film Say One for Me. He recorded the song with an arrangement by Frank DeVol for a single that year released by Columbia Records. Crosby recorded the song again in 1964, together with Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians, for the Reprise Records album 12 Songs of Christmas. The song has also been covered by numerous artists, including Ella Fitzgerald in 1959, Johnny Mathis (for his album Sounds of Christmas) in 1963, and Julie Andrews (for her album Christmas with Julie Andrews) in 1982. Susannah McCorkle recorded the song and it was included in the album A Concord Jazz Christmas (1994). Shirley Horn - her version of the song can be found in the album Christmas for Lovers (2003)Captain & Tennille included the song in their album The Secret of Christmas (2007) Marie Osmond recorded the song for her album Magic of Christmas (2007) 


Year:
1972
4:15
213 
#1

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Look at the happy people
Christmas is in the air
Well I know the secret of Christmas
A secret I'm willing to share

It's not the glow you feel
When snow appears
Yeah, it's not the Christmas card
You've sent for years and years and years
Not the joyful sound
When sleigh bells ring
Or the merry songs
Children sing

Yeah the little gift you send
On your Christmas day
Will not bring back the friend
You've turned away
So may I suggest
The secret of Christmas
Is not the things you do at Christmas time
But the Christmas things you do
All year through

Yeah the little gift you send
On your Christmas day
Will not bring back the friend
You've turned away
So may I suggest
The secret of Christmas
Is not the things you do at Christmas time
But the Christmas things you do
All year through

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Johnny Mathis

John Royce "Johnny" Mathis (born in Gilmer, Texas, on September 30, 1935) is an American singer of popular music. Starting his career with singles of standard music, he became highly popular as an album artist, with several dozen of his albums achieving gold or platinum status, and 73 making the Billboard charts and Guinness World Record music chart historian Paul Gambaccini, confirms "Johnny Mathis has sold well over 350 million records worldwide". more »

11 fans

Written by: JIMMY VAN HEUSEN, SAMMY CAHN

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"The Secret of Christmas" is a classic holiday song that was originally composed by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen in 1959.
Notable Performances
The song has been covered by several artists, including famous singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank DeVol, and Johnny Mathis.
Ella Fitzgerald's Version
Ella Fitzgerald, known as "The First Lady of Song", included her rendition of "The Secret of Christmas" in her 1960 album "Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas".
Frank DeVol's Contribution
Renowned conductor and arranger Frank DeVol, who has contributed to many classic Hollywood film scores and popular songs, arranged the backing orchestra for Ella Fitzgerald's version of this song.
Johnny Mathis' Version
Known for his warm and velvety vocals, Johnny Mathis released his version of "The Secret of Christmas" as part of his 1984 holiday album titled "Christmas Eve with Johnny Mathis".
Song Theme
"The Secret of Christmas" is not just a song about the holiday season; it carries a deeper message. It reminds listeners that the kindness and generosity that mark the Christmas season should be maintained throughout the year.
Song Popularity
Despite it not being as globally acclaimed as some other Christmas songs, "The Secret of Christmas" continues to be a favorite during the holiday season, particularly among traditional Christmas music lovers.
Lyrics
The song's poignant lyrics advocate for maintaining the spirit of Christmas and spreading love, understanding, and kindness all year round.
Genre
"The Secret of Christmas" falls under the genre of jazz, pop, and holiday music. The style and interpretation can differ based on the individual artist's rendition.
Critical Reception
Critics have praised Ella Fitzgerald's version of the song for her rich and emotive vocal delivery, timing, and the lush orchestration arranged by Frank DeVol.

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