Jolly Old Saint Nicholas facts for kids
"Jolly Old Saint Nicholas" is a popular Christmas song. It tells the story of children asking Santa Claus for gifts. This song is well-known around the world.
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Who Wrote the Song?
The words for "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas" came from a poem. Emily Huntington Miller (1833-1913) wrote it. Her poem was called "Lilly's Secret." It appeared in The Little Corporal Magazine in December 1865.
Some people also think Benjamin Hanby wrote the lyrics. He wrote a similar song called Up on the Housetop around the same time. However, the words we sing today are very much like Miller's poem.
There was also a claim that John Piersol McCaskey wrote the song. He was a song editor and publisher. His great-great-grandson said McCaskey wrote it in 1867. The "Johnny" in the song, who wants skates, was supposedly McCaskey's son, John, who died as a child. But there is no proof for this story. McCaskey's own book, Franklin Square Song Collection No. 1, published in 1881, does not say he wrote the song. This book usually gave credit to writers and composers.
Who Wrote the Music?
Most people believe James R. Murray wrote the music. The song's music was first published in 1874. It appeared in a book called School Chimes, A New School Music Book. This book was published by S. Brainard's Sons. It clearly said that James R. Murray wrote the music. The 1881 book by McCaskey also gave credit to the S. Brainard's Sons publication. This means Murray is the composer.
Famous Recordings
Many artists have recorded "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas." Here are some popular versions:
- Ray Smith recorded it in 1949.
- Chet Atkins released his version in 1961.
- Eddy Arnold's recording came out in 1962.
- The Chipmunks sang it in 1963.
- Andy Williams included it on an album in 1995.
- Anne Murray recorded it in 2001.
- Carole King released her version in 2017.
The 1949 version by Ray Smith was later changed. Songwriter Vaughn Horton added new lyrics. This updated version was used by the Ames Brothers in 1951. Wilf Carter also used it for his 1965 album, Christmas in Canada.
Ray Conniff's version of the song was very popular. It was on his 1962 album, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." This album sold over a million copies. It became one of only two platinum albums in Conniff's career.
Song Lyrics
Here are the original words published in 1881:
- Jolly old Saint Nicholas
- Lean your ear this way;
- Don't you tell a single soul
- What I'm going to say,
- Christmas Eve is coming soon;
- Now you dear old man,
- Whisper what you'll bring to me;
- Tell me if you can.
- When the clock is striking twelve,
- When I'm fast asleep,
- Down the chimney broad and black
- With your pack you'll creep;
- All the stockings you will find
- Hanging in a row;
- Mine will be the shortest one;
- You'll be sure to know.
- Johnny wants a pair of skates;
- Susy wants a dolly
- Nellie wants a story book,
- She thinks dolls are folly
- As for me, my little brain
- Isn't very bright;
- Choose for me, dear Santa Claus,
- What you think is right.
Changes to the Lyrics
Some artists have changed the lyrics. In The Chipmunks' version, they sing their own names. They say, "Alvin wants a pair of skates, Simon wants a sled, Theodore, a picture book, yellow, blue and red."
Ray Conniff's version is part of a medley with The Little Drummer Boy. In his version, Susy wants a sled instead of a doll. Nellie wants a picture book in yellow, blue, and red. Her opinion about dolls is not mentioned. The final lines also change. A child named Billy is mentioned. Santa should give him a drum because "he likes that best." Then the song smoothly moves into "Little Drummer Boy."
See also
