Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

Christmas song, U.S.A.

“Jolly Old Saint Nicholas” is a Christmas song originated by a poem by Emily Huntington Miller (1833-1913), published as “Lilly’s Secret” in The Little Corporal Magazine in December 1865, as the lyrics in common use closely resemble Miller’s 1865 poem.

The song has been attributed to John Piersol McCaskey, a school principal and former Mayor of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who wrote the song in 1867. The “Johnny” mentioned in the song who wants a pair of skates is McCaskey’s late son, John, who died as a child.

The song is traditionally performed to a melody which James Lord Pierpont wrote in 1857 for the original version of “Jingle Bells”.

Contents

Karaoke Video with Lyrics

Lyrics

1. Jolly old St. 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.

2. 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 see hanging in a row;
Mine will be the shortest ones – you’ll be sure to know.

3. Johnny wants a pair of skates, Susy wants a dolly,
Nelly wants a story book – she thinks dolls a folly.
As for me, my little brain never was the wisest.
Choose for me, old Santa Claus, what you think is nicest.

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