Hark! The Herald Banjo Rings
Christmas 2008
December 23
"Up on the Housetop" is the only song I've included that mentions Santa Claus. This is fitting, as this may be the first American song of importance on the theme of Santa. One of the first entirely secular Christmas songs composed in the United States, it was composed around the same time as "Jingle Bells." Some updated sets of lyrics attempt to replace the "whip that cracks" with a "set of jacks", something I have avoided here.
Up on the Housetop
Words: Benjamin Russell Hanby, circa 1860.
Music: Benjamin Russell Hanby, circa 1860.
Up on the housetop reindeer pause,
Out jumps good old Santa Claus.
Down through the chimney with lots of toys,
All for the little ones, Christmas joys.
Chorus
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go?
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go?
Up on the housetop, click, click, click.
Down through the chimney with old Saint Nick.
First comes the stocking of little Nell;
Oh, dear Santa, fill it well;
Give her a dolly that laughs and cries,
One that will open and shut her eyes.
Chorus
Next comes the stocking of little Will;
Oh, just see what a glorious fill!
Here is a hammer and lots of tacks,
Also a ball and a whip that cracks.
Chorus