Popular Nostalgia

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” was written and first performed in 1934. The original was more instrumental than vocal. There is a version by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters, which was one of the first covers. The best part about this song is the latitude for jazz and big band antics, which is why it has been covered by so many artists – everyone can do something different with it. The syncopation and catchy hook melody are classics which are regularly featured around the world at Christmas time. Because this song was written in the early 1930’s, it was not only a radio play hit, but also a sheet music hit as the live musicians of the day clambered to learn it.There are many different versions of the lyrics so here are some amongst many.

“Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” Lyrics

Oh! You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I’m telling you why:

Santa Claus is coming to town!

He’s making a list,
He’s checking it twice,
He’s gonna find out
who’s naughty or nice.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

He sees you when you’re sleeping,
He knows when you’re awake.
He knows when you’ve been bad or good,
So be good for goodness sake!

So…You better watch out,
You better not cry
You better not pout,
I’m telling you why.

Santa Claus is coming to town.

Little tin horns,
Little toy drums.
Rudy-toot-toot
and rummy tum tums.

Santa Claus is coming to town.

Little toy dolls
that cuddle and coo,
Elephants, boats
and Kiddie cars too.

Santa Claus is coming to town.

The kids in Girl and Boy Land
will have a jubilee.
They’re gonna build a toyland town
all around the Christmas tree.

Oh….You better watch out,
You better not cry.
You better not pout,
I’m telling you why.

Santa Claus is comin’
Santa Claus is comin’
Santa Claus is comin’
To town.