Preface
The melody is quite plain, with every phrase being led by four repeating notes. The lyrics speak of Santa’s list of gifts to bring like “a pair of skates for Johnny and a story book for Nelly”. A lot of children appeal to the song because of its cheerful nature.
History of Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
Although its true author is still a mystery up to now, Jolly Old St. Nicholas is believed to have been the work of Wilf Carter, also known as Montana Slim, a Canadian country singer. On the other hand, one can find this song being mentioned in past works as Christmas Orphans by Susan Gregg during the 1910’s, which precedes Wilf’s publishing. The song has also been attributed to the author of Up on the House Top, Benjamin Hanby during the 1860s, yet this may also be in debate. The song is customarily sung to an up-tempo arrangement in Canon in D Major by Johann Pachelbel.
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Jolly Old Saint Nicholas Lyrics
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, old Santa Claus,
What you think is right.
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Jolly Old Saint Nicholas Youtube Videos
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Jolly Old Saint Nicholas Music Sheet | Guitar Tab
Music Sheet Source: makingmusicfun.net
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Jolly Old Saint Nicholas Chords
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