The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the familiar tunes that fill our radios, shopping malls, and households. While many Christmas carols and songs are innocent and joyful, some have origins and lyrics that are less than merry and bright. In this article, we'll delve into the world of dirty Christmas song lyrics and origins, exploring the fascinating and sometimes scandalous stories behind these holiday classics.
Uncovering the Dark Side of Christmas Carols
Many Christmas carols have their roots in traditional folk songs, which often contained bawdy lyrics and themes. These songs were meant to be entertaining and humorous, rather than sacred or reverent. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, these folk songs were adapted and sanitized to become the Christmas carols we know today. However, some of these songs still retain their original naughty lyrics and connotations.
The Origins of "Jingle Bells"
One of the most well-known Christmas songs, "Jingle Bells," has a surprisingly risqué origin. Written in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont, the song was originally titled "The One Horse Open Sleigh" and was meant to be a Thanksgiving song, not a Christmas one. The lyrics contain references to "dashing through the snow" and "girls laughing," which were meant to evoke a sense of youthful revelry and flirtation. In fact, some versions of the song contain even more suggestive lyrics, including "go it while you're young" and "take the girls tonight."
The Naughty Side of "Deck the Halls"
Another Christmas classic, "Deck the Halls," has a more sinister history. The song's origins date back to 16th-century Wales, where it was sung as a New Year's Eve carol. The lyrics contain references to "holly" and "ivy," which were meant to symbolize fertility and sex. In fact, the song's chorus, "deck the halls with boughs of holly," is thought to be a euphemism for decorating the body with festive foliage – a practice that was meant to promote fertility and lust.
The Bawdy Lyrics of "The 12 Days of Christmas"
One of the most beloved Christmas carols, "The 12 Days of Christmas," has a surprising number of bawdy and suggestive lyrics. The song's origins date back to 16th-century England, where it was sung as a counting song and a way to teach children about the gifts given by the Magi. However, some versions of the song contain lyrics that are decidedly naughty, including "six geese a-laying" (which was meant to evoke the idea of female genitalia) and "five gold rings" (which was meant to symbolize the female body).
Exploring the Seedy Side of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
Even modern Christmas classics like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" have a seedy side. Written in 1949 by Johnny Marks, the song was originally meant to be a children's story about a misfit reindeer. However, some versions of the song contain lyrics that are decidedly dark and suggestive, including "all of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names" (which was meant to evoke the idea of bullying and social exclusion).
The X-Rated Origins of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"
One of the most iconic Christmas songs, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," has a surprisingly X-rated origin. Written in 1934 by Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie, the song was originally meant to be a jazzy tune about the arrival of Santa Claus. However, some versions of the song contain lyrics that are decidedly risqué, including "better watch out, better not cry" (which was meant to evoke the idea of a naughty child getting punished).
Getting to Know the Dirty Side of Christmas
While many Christmas songs and carols have innocent and joyful origins, others have a decidedly dirty and naughty side. By exploring the history and lyrics of these songs, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of the holiday season.
Embracing the Complexity of Christmas
Christmas is a holiday that is often associated with innocence, joy, and celebration. However, by embracing the complexity and nuance of the season, we can gain a deeper understanding of the human experience. Whether we're singing bawdy carols or telling off-color jokes, the holiday season is a time for revelry, excess, and indulgence.
Conclusion: The Dirty Side of Christmas
In conclusion, the world of Christmas songs and carols is more complex and nuanced than we often give it credit for. By exploring the dirty side of Christmas, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the history, lyrics, and cultural context of these beloved holiday classics. So the next time you're singing "Jingle Bells" or "Deck the Halls," remember the naughty origins and lyrics that lie beneath the surface.
We'd love to hear from you! Share your favorite dirty Christmas song lyrics or origins in the comments below. Don't forget to like and share this article with your friends and family, and happy holidays!
What is the origin of the Christmas carol "Jingle Bells"?
+"Jingle Bells" was written in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont and was originally titled "The One Horse Open Sleigh." It was meant to be a Thanksgiving song, not a Christmas one.
What are some examples of dirty Christmas song lyrics?
+Some examples of dirty Christmas song lyrics include "six geese a-laying" from "The 12 Days of Christmas" (which was meant to evoke the idea of female genitalia) and "better watch out, better not cry" from "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" (which was meant to evoke the idea of a naughty child getting punished).
What is the significance of the Christmas carol "Deck the Halls"?
+"Deck the Halls" is a Christmas carol that originated in 16th-century Wales and contains references to "holly" and "ivy," which were meant to symbolize fertility and sex.