The Secret of Christmas

The Russell Garcia Orchestra, Ella Fitzgerald

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:
1960
2:48
68 
#2

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Look at the happy people
Christmas is in the air
Well, I know the secret of Christmas
A secret I'm willing to share (oh, right, yeah, yeah)

It's not the glow you feel when snow appears
It's not the Christmas card you've sent for years
Not the joyful sound when sleigh bells ring (ring, ring, ring)
Or the merry songs children sing

Yeah, the little gift you send on Christmas day
Will not bring back the friend you turned away
So may I suggest the secret of Christmas (the secret of Christmas)
It's not the things you do at Christmas time
But the Christmas things you do all year through?

La la, la la la, la la la, la la la la 
So may I suggest the secret of Christmas (the secret of Christmas)
It's not the things you do at Christmas time
But the Christmas things you do all year?
Look at the happy people (it's not the things you do)
Christmas is in the air (it's not the glow you feel)
Well, I know the secret of Christmas 
A secret I'm willing to share
The secret of Christmas

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996), also known as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella", was an American jazz and song vocalist. With a vocal range spanning three octaves (D♭3 to D♭6), she was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing and intonation, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing. 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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