Album: A Christmas Record (1981)

Charted: 45

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• Bah Humbug, now that's too strong!
  'Cause it is my favorite holiday
  But all this year's been a busy blur
  Don't think I have the energy
  To add to my already mad rush
  Just 'cause it's 'tis the season
  The perfect gift for me would be
  Completions and connections left from last year
  Ski shop encounter most interesting
  Had his number but never the time
  Most of '81 passed along those lines
  So deck those halls, trim those trees
  Raise up cups of Christmas cheer
  I just need to catch my breath
  Christmas by myself this year
  
  Calendar picture, frozen landscape
  Chill this room for twenty-four days
  Evergreens, sparkling snow
  Get this winter over with!
  Flash back to spring time saw him again
  Would have been good to go for lunch
  Couldn't agree when we were both free
  We tried, we said we'd keep in touch
  Didn't of course 'till summertime
  Out to the beach to his boat, could I join him?
  No This time it was me
  Sunburn in the third degree
  Now the calendar's just one page
  Of course I am excited
  Tonight's the night I've set my mind
  Not to do too much about it
  
  Merry Christmas, merry Christmas
  But I think I'll miss this one this year
  Merry Christmas, merry Christmas
  But I think I'll miss this one this year
  Merry Christmas, merry Christmas
  But I think I'll miss this one this year
  Merry Christmas, merry Christmas
  But I think I'll miss this one this year
  
  Hardly dashing through the snow
  'Cause I bundled up too tight
  Last minute have-to-dos
  A few cards, a few calls, because it's RSVP
  No, thanks, no party lights
  It's Christmas Eve, gonna relax
  Turn down all of my invites
  Last fall I had a night to myself
  Same guy called, Halloween party
  Waited all night for him to show
  This time his car wouldn't go
  Forget it, it's cold, it's getting late
  Trudge on home to celebrate
  In a quiet way unwind
  Doing Christmas right this time
  
  A&P has provided me
  With the world's smallest turkey
  Already in the oven, nice and hot
  Oh damn! Guess what I forgot
  So on with the boots back out in the snow
  To the only all night grocery
  When what to my wondering eyes should appear
  In the line is that guy I've been chasing all year
  'Spending this one alone,' he said
  'Need a break, this year's been crazy'
  I said 'Me too, but why are you
  You mean you forgot cranberries too?'
  Then suddenly we laughed and laughed
  Caught on to what was happening
  That Christmas magic's brought this tale
  To a very happy ending
  
  Merry Christmas, merry Christmas
  Couldn't miss this one this year
  Merry Christmas, merry Christmas
  Couldn't miss this one this year
  Merry Christmas, merry Christmas
  Couldn't miss this one this year Writer/s: Chris Butler
  Publisher: Spirit Music Group
  Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 13

• Martin from LondonWhen you say "A&P" are all around the Northeast. I've been to Newcastle, I didn't see any A&Ps.
• Ray from PhiladelphiaThese lyrics are wrong. It's "A&P has pride in me," which was A&Ps slogan in the 80s. [Hey Ray. We asked Chris Butler. He says: "It's 'provided me'... now and forever!" - editor]
• Donny from NjError in the lyrics. It is not "And he provided me..." It is "A & P has provided me...". A & P was a large grocery store chain in the northeast. Still around but I think fewer these days.
• Myla from San DiegoI love the bass in this song. I think it was done by Tracy Wormworth. Brillant!
• Tom from Marietta, OhThis song is hard to follow not just because of the pace of the singing, but also because it switches back and forth repeatedly from the current time to flashbacks of the past year. Nevertheless, it is right up there in the top few of my favorite holiday songs.
• Esskayess from Dallas, TxBest to have the lyrics in front of you when you listen to this song, because it's hard to keep up with some of what she's "wrapping."
• Myla from San Diego, CaNow this is one Christmas song that I never get tired of! Awesome song!
• Fred from Laurel, MdJerry, you hit it! All true! I dig this song. Is this the same bunch who did, "I Like 'em Big and Stupid"? If not the Waitresses, then it was a somewhat similar group around that time.
• Preston from Hartford, CtI'm 44 yrs old, and i loved the song the first time i heard it back in 1981.Never understood it cuz she sings so fast..About 5yrs ago around the holidays i wake up about 3'o clock in the morning,i call the radio station & ask them to play the song because i hav'nt heard it in yrs.The dj says the one where the girls chases the guy around all year? I say is that what that song is all about? She say's yes just listen to it.I did and i said to myself this has got to be the only song i heard in my life,that takes you through all four seasons...What a great Christmas song.
• Mike from Matawan, NjEhhhhh...it ain't bad, but The Kinks 'Father Christmas' shytte's all over this.
• Jesse from Madison, WiOh come on, admit it - this song is GREAT! Just because it's a Christmas song and everybody hates Christmas music, and blah blah blah, Christmas music is gay and all that, it doesn't hurt to admit that you just LOVE this song because it's great. It provides a memorable sort of melody kind of thing and for whatever reason, I think about it every year around Christmas time, along with all the other Christmas songs issued by contemporary artists of the day. There once was a time when the American people adhered to annual traditions such as Christmas. Listened to Christmas music. Didn't feel gay or left out because they listened to Christmas music. Those days have been erased by the false "coolness" of MTV. I'd say "DIE MTV" but it already has. Let's take back our traditions. If it means "popular" Christmas music because you can't handle traditional Christmas music, then so be it - at least you have a start. Now what about McCartney's and Wham's and Eurythmics' (and all the others who wrote and performed Christmas songs) tunes... BUST 'EM OUT! Don't be afraid!
• Dan from , NjRight on Jerry
• Jerry from Brooklyn, NyThere is something bizarrely intrguing about this unusual song. It is kind of silly in some ways, yet it is also charming and touching.

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