Messed Up Christmas Song Lyrics Nobody Talks About

"The Christmas Song," frequently known by the subtitle "Chestnuts Roasting Over an Open Fire," was written in 1944 by lyricist Bob Wells and the Velvet Fog himself, Mel Torme, as a way of cooling off during a particularly savage summer via the power of imagination. Although the most famous version of the song was recorded

"The Christmas Song," frequently known by the subtitle "Chestnuts Roasting Over an Open Fire," was written in 1944 by lyricist Bob Wells and the Velvet Fog himself, Mel Torme, as a way of cooling off during a particularly savage summer via the power of imagination. Although the most famous version of the song was recorded by Nat King Cole in 1961, according to BMI, "The Christmas Song" is, perhaps fittingly, the most performed Christmas song of all time. It's been covered by such notable artists as Bing Crosby, Garth Brooks, Christina Aguilera, Bob Dylan, and Aimee Mann. Sure, yes, you're probably thinking, "But what about Hootie?" and you're right, Hootie and the Blowfish did one, too.

And it's no surprise it's so popular: It's basically a perfect song for Christmas, evoking a series of sentimental holiday tableaux that can't help but kindle the spirit of the season in its listeners. But only basically perfect. To a modern listener, the line "folks dressed up like Eskimos" might be a little jarring. While "Eskimo" is not universally considered a racial slur, a sweeping generalization about an ethnic group is not a super cool way to kick off your holiday playlist. And for that matter, what about "frolic and play the Eskimo way" in "Winter Wonderland"? You wouldn't say "frolic and play the white people way" (probably), so maybe give that line a second thought.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qL7Up56eZpOkunB9knFna21forK0v8SdZK6oXZi1s7XSraSaq12ovK%2BzjKWwq6GTqHqvu8Gom7JlpJa5rL%2BMmpmoraRk

 Share!