My son is learning the trombone, and I suppose that means they’re also getting ready for a Christmas concert. In any case, I hear “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas” around my house frequently. Yesterday after my son stopped practicing, my daughter took up the song, applying the words. Several things occurred to me in short order:
- The singer in the lyrics is excited about Christmas, but is rather humble. She wants Santa to be sure to know what to bring her siblings, but for her/himself? Well his/her stocking in the shortest one, and he/she really doesn’t know what to ask for, and leaves it up to Santa to bring what he thinks is best.
- This song probably wouldn’t have been written today, when everything is about “me, me, me!” and “gimme gimme gimme!”
- The song according to modern sentiments has been written. It’s called “Santa Baby”.
Of course “Santa Baby” was released back in 1953, performed by Eartha Kitt:
“Santa Baby” is a 1953 Christmas song written by Joan Javits and Philip Springer. The song is a tongue-in-cheek look at a Christmas list addressed to Santa Claus by a woman who wants extravagant gifts such as sables, yachts, and decorations from Tiffany’s.
I don’ t think it’s tongue-in-cheek any more.