The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting), a Singable Picture Book

Posted by: Sing Books with Emily on: December 28, 2011

In: Art of Singing a Song | Case for Singable Books | Heartfelt Musings | Lyrics | SBWE in Person | Singable Book Title | Singable Picture Book Video | Song History | Vocal Tracks
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“The Christmas Song” (aka “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”) is one of my favorite songs of all time. Its long lyric lines, lovely images, and warm sentiments make it a delight for every listen and every sing. You can sing it with holiday bravura or as a gentle lullaby (as we often enjoy it in the G-House just before bedtime).

Written by the great singer Mel Torme and his friend Bob Wells, it seems like lots of artists agree with me as it is one of the most recorded Christmas songs.

Here’s a wiki article with some interesting info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Christmas_Song

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The Christmas Song: Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire
Words and Music by Mel Torme and Robert Wells
Illustrated by Doris Barrette

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THE CHRISTMAS SONG (CHESTNUTS ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE)
Music and Lyrics by Mel Torme and Bob Wells

(Optional intro)
All through the year we waited
Waited through Spring and Fall
To hear silver bells ringing and wintertime bringing
The happiest season of all…

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
Jack Frost nipping on 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 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 every mother’s child is going to spy,
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I’m offering this simple phrase,
To kids from one to ninety-two,
Although its been said many times, many ways,
Merry Christmas to you

(Optional outro)
Love and joy come to you
And to all your loved ones, too
And God bless you and send you
A Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year!

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A Few YouTube Sing-Alongs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IirR7z_024Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nut0lgTdXn8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyfl04_TQ78
A YouTube video with “The Christmas Song” song history.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOQ4JxPDXIU
I particularly love this one as sung live by Mel Torme and Judy Garland. It is great fun to hear the intros and outros as well. To see them both young, in great voice, and so enjoying what they are doing is a real treat.