13 December 2006

Keep 'Em Separated

I have a confession to make: I am a Christmas music segregationist. Either the song is religious or secular and never the twain shall meet. The artist should sing about snowmen and jingle bells and Santa Claus or it is about the Nativity and the Holy Night and angels singing to shepards. There shouldn't be any inter-mixing of topics. Which is why the following is my least favorite Christmas song (I do not recognize any Christmas song written after 1970):

Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)
(Words & music by Autry - Haldeman)

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus Lane.

Vixen, Blitzen, all his reindeer
Pulling on the reins.
Bells are ringing, children singing,
All is merry and bright.
Hang your stockings and say a prayer,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus Lane.

He's got a bag that's filled with toys
For boys and girls again.
Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle,
What a beautiful sight.
Jump in bed and cover up your head,
Because Santa Claus comes tonight.

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus Lane.

He doesn't care if you're a rich or poor boy,
He loves you just the same.
Santa knows that we're God's children,
That makes everything right.
Fill your hearts with Christmas cheer,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Well, here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus Lane.

He'll come around when the chimes ring out
'It's Christmas morn again.'
Peace on Earth will come to all
If we just follow the light
Let's give thanks to the Lord above,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!

I have never understood why we should be giving prayers of thanks for Santa Claus's impending visit, rather than the actual Christmas miracle. Secondly, what exactly does Santa knowing "that we're God's children" make right? And why does anything Santa do have to be made right? Finally, what light are we supposed to follow? Is it a religious light or is it the light of Rudolph's nose? Every spiritual reference in that song is murky and makes the whole song a little sinister, at least in my mind. Any Christmas songs you readers find worrisome, disturbing, or just plain bad?

5 comments:

Panini said...

I love that song -- although I can see your point. I never thought of that. But what about the little kids who believe in Santa? -no discrepancy there.

One newer than 1970s song that I love is Amy Grant's "Breath of Heaven."

Anonymous said...

Scully, I can't comment in under my name for some reason. This is aquamarine.

Now about Christmas songs. I am a sucker for them. The catchy tunes usually draw me in. Not to much the post 1970's. I am pretty picky about those, though.

I will have to pay more attention to the lyics. ;)

Scully said...

Aquamarine, I'm pretty sure it wouldn't let you log on because I switched over to the beta blogger.

Anonymous said...

I also like the song Breath of Heaven. It's very pretty and inspirational. Some of my fave Christmas songs are the German ones I learned in Germany. Glad I have a German hymnbook!!

It's funny, I know that Santa song, but I have never known the words to the song. After reading the words, it does seem a bit strange to mix Jesus and Santa. Though it seems like good exposure for Jesus since lots of kids these days don't know who Jesus is. PapaBear and I may not be the same religion, but that is one thing we both agree on, to teach our children about God and Jesus and let them decide what religion they want to be.

Anonymous said...

Have a Happy Christmas everyone!!