"The Christmas Song" sometimes titled "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" or, as it was originally subtitled, "Merry Christmas to You" is a classic Christmas song written in 1945 by Robert Wells and Mel Torme.
According to Torme, the song was written in July during a blistering hot summer. In an effort to "stay cool by thinking cool", the most-performed Christmas song was born. "I saw a spiral pad on his (Wells's) piano with four lines written in pencil", Torme recalled. "They started, 'Chestnuts roasting..., Jack Frost nipping..., Yuletide carols..., Folks dressed up like Eskimos.' Bob didn't think he was writing a song lyric. He said he thought if he could immerse himself in winter he could cool off. Forty minutes later that song was written. I wrote all the music and some of the lyrics."
The Nat King Cole Trio first recorded the song in June 1946.
Dedicated to all beautiful peoples of our world!
Peace and Joy is my wish for all!!!
I've written a Mass setting, got it approved by the USCCB, several psalm settings, and a couple years of gospel acclamation verses. Looking for a place to publish my works.
As a Catholic songwriter and singer myself, I want to contribute to the community and receive info on how to promote good Catholic songs to a wide audiences.
I am Catholic and a piano teacher. The Catholic Church has the most beautiful treasury of hymns.
I want my students to study hymns. Also, I want to memorize the words of some of the hymns that are in Latin and having access to the sheet music will help with that. Thank you.
I'm a music director at a Cathedral and a composer. I would love to hear other composers, music, ideas, etc. Additionally, I'd like to share my own music.
I am searching for a hymn sung on line in Canada - when I am confined to home and watch mass. I am a piano player for many years and would like to find the musical score.
I have written and recorded about 70 songs over the last two decades that are posted on my YouTube channel - Ronald St Martin songs. I would like to share them with a larger audience. Thank you and God bless your work Ron St Martin
I am a Catechist that believes that religious song is the prayer of the angels, that lifts the soul. What better way to get a child to feel the present of God's peace
I am a practicing Roman Catholic always trying to increase my faith and holiness. I like Christian music particularly prefer Catholic Christian when I am driving or at home completing tasks.
I have been a minister of music for almost 40 years, and I am, primarily, an ear-trained pianist/composer. I am hoping that, becoming a member, I will be able to find sheet music (mostly, lead sheets, if available), that also contain the guitar chords, as I, typically, see them, and then, improvise, accordingly.
I am a resident organist and singer, also training choirs. I very much would appreciate learning more contemporary music to help integrate a wider and more diverse congregation. Thank you.
Need to replace copyrighted music on my YouTube Rosary channel (https://www.youtube.com/@mryan510) to stop the constant interruptions with ads. Perusing your site affords me with plenty of ad free solutions. I hope to donate to your site when I make my selections.
Comments
Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire
Richard Schletty | Schletty Design and Music | www.schletty.com
Thank you so much,
Wishing you and your whole family Peace and Joy for the Holidays!!!
With love and respect,
Rene and Clarissa