Dominick the Donkey

Lou Monte

About Dominick the Donkey

"Dominick the Donkey" is a Christmas song written by Ray Allen, Sam Saltzberg and Wandra Merrell, and was recorded by Lou Monte in 1960, on Roulette Records. The song describes a donkey who helps Santa Claus bring presents ("made in Brooklyn") to children in Italy "because the reindeer cannot climb" Italy's hills. The song was re-released onto Amazon on September 26, 2011, on Dexterity Records. The spelling of "Dominick" was modified to "Dominic" for the re-release. It was included in Volume 2 of the Ultimate Christmas Album series produced by Collectables Records and on the Christmas compilation album Merry Xmas 2011 by Cinquenta Musica. The song was listed at No. 14 in Billboard's "Bubbling under the Hot 100" list in December 1960. Santa Claus owning a donkey is later referenced in the 1977 television special Nestor, the Long–Eared Christmas Donkey. In that special, the donkey's name is "Spieltote," who is voiced by Roger Miller and who is the narrator. 


Year:
1997
2:27
72 

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Hey! Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
It's Dominick the donkey.
Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
The Italian Christmas donkey.
(la la la-la la-la la la la la)
(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Santa's got a little friend,
His name is Dominick.
The cutest little donkey,
You never see him kick.
When Santa visits his paisons,
With Dominick he'll be.
Because the reindeer cannot,
Climb the hills of Italy.

Hey! Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
It's Dominick the donkey.
Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
The Italian Christmas donkey.
(la la la-la la-la la la la la)
(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Jingle bells around his feet,
And presents on the sled.
Hey! Look at the mayor's derby,
On top of Dominick's head.
A pair of shoes for Louie,
And a dress for Josephine.
The labels on the inside says,
They're made in Brooklyn.

Hey! Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
It's Dominick the donkey.
Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
The Italian Christmas donkey.
(la la la-la la-la la la la la)
(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Children sing, and clap their hands,
And Dominick starts to dance.
They talk Italian to him,
And he even understands.

Cumpare sing,
Cumpare su,
And dance 'sta tarantel.
When jusamagora comes to town,
And brings do ciuccianello.

Hey! Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
It's Dominick the donkey.
Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
The Italian Christmas donkey.
(la la la-la la-la la la la la)
(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Hey! Dominic

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Lou Monte

Lou Monte (born Louis Scaglione, April 2, 1917–June 12, 1989) was an Italian American singer best known for a number of best-selling, Italian-themed novelty records which he recorded for both RCA Records and Reprise Records in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He also recorded on Roulette Records, Jubilee Records, Regalia Records, Musicor Records, Laurie Records, and AFE Records. more »

3 fans

Written by: Ray Allen, Sam Saltzberg, Wandra Merrell

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release and Popularity
"Dominick the Donkey" by Lou Monte was first released in 1960. The song gained popularity in the UK many years after its initial release, reaching number 3 on the UK Singles Chart in December 2011.
Context
The song is a Christmas holiday song and is about a donkey who helps Santa Claus deliver presents to children in Italy. The donkey's name is "Dominick".
Artist
Lou Monte was an Italian-American singer known for a number of novelty records and songs with an Italian twist. He is famous for hits like "Pepino the Italian Mouse" and this song, "Dominick the Donkey".
Pop-culture References
This cheerful Christmas song has been featured in many films and TV series over the years. It has also been covered by numerous artists such as Chris Moyles in 2011.
Tradition
"Dominick the Donkey" is traditionally played on various radio stations in the United States during the holiday season, particularly those in areas with high Italian-American populations.
Song's Legacy
Despite its age, "Dominick the Donkey" remains a popular and beloved Christmas song, consistently ranking in top Christmas song charts. Its playful lyrics and catchy tune make it an enduring part of American Christmas traditions.
Italian influence
The song is a true testament to Lou Monte's Italian roots, given the character of Dominick the Donkey with his Italian heritage.
Controversy
Despite its popularity, "Dominick the Donkey" has been the subject of some controversy over the years, with some listeners finding the song obnoxious or annoying. However, given its consistent place in holiday music rotation, it's clear that many people still enjoy the song.
Songwriting Team
It was written by Ray Allen, Wandra Merrell, and Sam Saltzberg, all three were part of an American songwriting team who regularly collaborated with Lou Monte.
Animated Video
In 2011, an animated music video was released to match the song. The video gained significant views and further boosted the song's popularity.

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