The Christmas Song

Mel Tormé

About The Christmas Song

"The Christmas Song" (commonly subtitled "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" or, as it was originally subtitled, "Merry Christmas to You") is a classic Christmas song written in 1945 by Robert Wells and Mel Tormé. According to Tormé, the song was written during a blistering hot summer. In an effort to "stay cool by thinking cool", the most-performed (according to BMI) Christmas song was born. "I saw a spiral pad on his (Wells's) piano with four lines written in pencil", Tormé recalled. "They started, 'Chestnuts roasting..., Jack Frost nipping..., Yuletide carols..., Folks dressed up like Eskimos.' Bob didn't think he was writing a song lyric. He said he thought if he could immerse himself in winter he could cool off. Forty minutes later that song was written. I wrote all the music and some of the lyrics." The Nat King Cole Trio first recorded the song in June 1946. At Cole's behest – and over the objections of his label, Capitol Records – a second recording was made in August utilizing a small string section, this version becoming a massive hit on both the pop and R&B charts. Cole again recorded the song in 1953, using the same arrangement with a full orchestra arranged and conducted by Nelson Riddle, and once more in 1961, in a stereophonic version with another full orchestra arranged and conducted by Ralph Carmichael. Cole's 1961 version is generally regarded as definitive, and in 2004 was the most-loved seasonal song with women aged 30–49, while the original 1946 recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1974. 


Year:
1994
3:10
238 

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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 little 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 ev'ry mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly

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"

Love and joy come to you
And to you your carol too
And God bless you and send you
A happy New Year
And God send you
A happy New Year

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Mel Tormé

Melvin Howard Tormé (September 13, 1925 – June 5, 1999), nicknamed The Velvet Fog, was an American musician, known for his jazz singing. He was also a jazz composer and arranger, drummer, pianist, and actor in radio, film, and television, and the author of five books. He composed the music for the classic holiday song "The Christmas Song" ("Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire") and co-wrote the lyrics with Bob Wells. more »

3 fans

Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells

Lyrics © Ceylon Records, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
"The Christmas Song" was written by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells in 1945.
Inspiration
Ironically, the song was penned during a hot summer day as Tormé and Wells tried to think cool thoughts to beat the heat.
Nat King Cole Version
"The Christmas Song" was first recorded by the Nat King Cole Trio in 1946.
Nelson Riddle Involvement
In 1961, Nat King Cole re-recorded the song orchestrated by Nelson Riddle and this version has become the most popular airing on radio.
Chart Success
The song was an instant success and has remained a classic Christmas song, often found atop holiday song charts.
Covers
"The Christmas Song" has been covered by a multitude of artists, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Justin Bieber, and Garth Brooks, among others.
Grammy Hall of Fame
Nat King Cole’s 1961 version of the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1974.
Cultural Impact
The song's iconic opening lyrics "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" are instantly recognizable and have contributed to its enduring popularity.
Iconic Voice
Nat King Cole's smooth, rich voice on "The Christmas Song" is often imitated but never duplicated, making his rendition one of the most beloved holiday songs of all time.
Timeless Appeal
Despite being over 70 years old, "The Christmas Song" still maintains its charm and appeal, being a staple in Christmas celebrations worldwide.

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