TIME OF NICK! (2011)
Lyrics to ALL 18 Songs*
In The
*words & music © Ken Lonnquist
except where noted.
1.'Round Xmas Time
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Everybody’s gettin’ in the mood
Everybody’s makin’ lots of food
Everybody’s doin’ what they’re doin’ what they’re doin’
’Round Christmas time
Everybody’s trimmin’ up a tree
Singin’ all the carols out of key
Everybody’s doin’ what they’re doin’ what they’re doin’
‘Round Christmas time
Christmastime, hot chocolate, fresh-cut pine
Now you’re doin’ fine
Everybody’s doin’ what they’re doin’ what they’re doin’
‘Round Christmastime
Everybody’s playin’ the guita
Bangin’ on a bottle or a jar
Everybody’s doin’ what they’re doin’ what they’re doin’
‘Round Christmas time
Everybody’s got a bell to ring—Doin’ that Kris Kringle thing
Everybody’s doin’ what they’re doin’ what they’re doin’
‘Round Christmas time
Christmas time! Grab a bottle of Christmas wine!
Now you’re doin’ fine
Everybody’s doin’ what they’re doin’ what they’re doin’
‘Round Christmas time
Everybody playin’ in the snow
Makin’ angels every where they go
Everybody’s doin’ what they’re doin’ what they’re doin’
‘Round Christmas time
Christmas time, eyes sparkle and candles shine!
Now you’re doin’ fine
Everybody’s doin’ what they’re doin’ what they’re doin’
‘Round Christmas time
Everybody’s buyin’ lotsa stuff
Even though love’s enough
Everybody’s doin’ what they’re doin’ what they’re doin’
‘Round Christmas time
Christmas time, Singin’ jingle bells, ringin’ chimes!
Now you’re doin’ fine
Everybody’s doin’ what they’re doin’ what they’re doin’ ‘Round Christmas time
Everybody’s doin’ what they’re doin’ what they’re doin’
‘Round Christmas time
Everybody’s doin’ what they’re doin’ what they’re doin’
‘Round Christmas time
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2. Wish A Merry Xmas
We wish a Merry Christmas to you!
A Very Merry Christmas to you!
Wish a Merry Christmas, very Merry Christmas
Merry, merry Christmas to you!
All the littlest girls and boys
Off to beddy-bye go
Santa’s coming with lots of toys
Down through the chimney, Ho! Ho! Ho!
To wish a Merry Christmas to you!
A Very Merry Christmas to you!
Wish a Merry Christmas, very Merry Christmas
Merry, merry Christmas to you!
Over rooftops the snow flies high
Reindeer pulling a sleigh
Bells are ringing, the hour is nigh
Santa Claus is on his way
When all the little ones are asleep
That’s when Santa will come
Rooftop hoofbeats the time will keep
And a toy guitar he’ll strum
To wish a Merry Christmas to you!
A very Merry Christmas to you!
Wish a Merry Christmas, very Merry Christmas
Merry, merry Christmas to you!
Merry, merry Christmas to you!
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3. Snowflakes
(Written with students at Pitsch Elementary, Wisconsin Rapids, WI)
Lovely lace-work, crystal ice, delicately whirling
Silvery silence in the sky, feathery flakes twirling
Far and wide... far and wide...
All across the countryside
Far and wide...
Every fragile glittering flake infinite in number
Is unique in it’s own way falling as we slumber
Far and wide... far and wide...
All across the countryside
Far and wide...
Everything is fresh and new in a snow white blanket
Snug and warm, this big old world… a magic snowfall shrank it
Far and wide... far and wide...
All across the countryside
Far and wide...
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4. On Our Way
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On our way upon Xmas Day
And we tip our hats to a stranger
Hear us laugh and sing
As the steeples ring
For the child in the manger
Good good morning! The day is dawning!
And may God smile upon youQ
On our way upon Xmas Day
God bless you!
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On our way upon Xmas Day
And we tip our hats to a stranger
See the people smile
For the holy child
Born this day in a manger
Good good morning! The day is dawning!
And may God smile upon youQ
On our way upon Xmas Day
God bless you!
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5. Littlest Jingle Bell
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There was an old jingle bell store... selling jingly bells galore
Some big, some tiny, some in-between—So many jingle bells you’ve never seen!
In the holiday yuletide season bells were selling for just one reason:
To ring out loud and clear and sweet old Santa and his elves to greet!
Santa and his elves to greet!
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But the shopkeeper couldn’t sell the littlest jingle bell
He tried and tried, but no one fell for the littlest jingle bell
Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring! Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring!
Oh, the littlest bell was lying on a shelf all alone and crying
Christmas Eve was drawing near and he sniffed, “I don’t want to spend it here.”
All the other bells were a-ringing in the homes of good people singing
Loud and clear and full of cheer in the happiest yuletide time of year!
The happiest yuletide time of year!
But the shopkeeper couldn’t sell the littlest jingle bell
He tried and tried, but no one fell for the littlest jingle bell
Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring! Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring!
Now, just as the shop was closing who would you be supposing
Came dashing through the door to say: “I need a jingle bell for my sleigh!”?
That’s right! It was Santa trying to ready his sleigh for flying
But the shopkeeper said, “I’ve sold them all
There’s only one left, and it’s too small!
“It’s too tiny. No one will buy it. There’s no reason to even try it.“
But Santa said, “I’d like to hear.” So he lifted that bell up to his ear.
And the littlest bell just jingled with his merriest ring-ring-ringle
And the Old Elf laughed and winked and called
“Ho, Ho, Ho! Hmmm. You’re right... this jingle bell’s too small.”
Just kidding!
The Old Elf laughed and winked to say:
“Ho, Ho, Ho! This bell’s just perfect for my sleigh!”
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6. Deck The Halls
Traditional (more or less!)​
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7. Old Xmas Night
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Children knowing the hour is nigh watch the sky like we did
Not-so-very-long-ago... falling snow... remember it?
Believing. Opening your heart and receiving that old feelin’
Night falls with dreams catching fire
Snow falls to tuck the world in
With the hope and the light
Of an old Christmas night
Weaving it’s magic again
Friends and family gather near and toast a year nearly gone
Peace on Earth, to all Goodwill—singing, still, the ancient song
Believing. Opening your heart and receiving that old feelin’
Night falls with dreams catching fire
Snow falls to tuck the world in
With the hope and the light
Of an old Christmas night
Weaving it’s magic again
Takin’ time to reminisce or steal a kiss by mistletoe
There’s a feeling in the air... nearly there... one you know
Believing. Opening your heart and receiving that old feelin’
Night falls with dreams catching fire
Snow falls to tuck the world in
With the hope and the light
Of an old Christmas night
Weaving it’s magic again
8. Turkey Day
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Turkey day, turkey day, turkey-turkey day
Gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble
Turkey-turkey day
I’ll tell you what I’m thankful for:
Makes me downright perky
That upon Thanksgiving Day
I’m not the only turkey, turkey, turkey, turkey
Chorus
I’ll tell you what I’m thankful for:
It don’t take no Plato
To appreciate the fact
I’m not your mashed potato, tato, tato, tato
Chorus
I’ll tell you what I’m thankful for
Curly, Moe and Larry
That upon Thanksgiving Day
I’m not a cranberry, berry, berry, berry
Chorus
I’ll tell you what I’m thankful for
(And it ain’t no lie!):
That upon Thanksgiving Day
I’m not pumpkin pie, pie, pie, pie
Turkey day, turkey day, turkey-turkey day
Gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble
Turkey-turkey day
Gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble
All the food away
9. Rub-A-Dub For Mxas
Uncle Lester never bathes—Santa Claus won’t come our way
We’re gonna have a rub-a-dub-dub for Xmas!
Last time Santa’s reindeer showed—Poor elf had to plug his nose
We’re gonna have a rub-a-dub-dub for Xmas!
He was circlin’ our rooftop—and just about to stop
When he caught a whiff—Phew! and flew off with our gifts
Uncle Lester smells so foul—We broke out the soap and towels
We’re gonna have a rub-a-dub-dub for Xmas!
We’ll scrub him up from head to toes—
Till he glows like Rudolph’s nose
We’re gonna have a rub-a-dub-dub for Xmas!
Grab a loofa and a sponge—We’ll lather up the grunge
Towel him dry and then—Santa might come back again
Santa, hitch your reindeer to that jinglin’ sleigh
Bring the toys we’ve missed since Lester’s stench drove you away
That aroma always circlin’ our rooftop
Like a Xmas wreath in years gone by is gonna stop
Rub-a-dub-dub, rub-a-dub, rub-a-dub-a-dub front, rub-a-dub behind
Rub-a-dub-dub, rub-a-dub, rub-a-dub-a-dub where the sun don’t shine
Rub-a-dub-dub, rub-a-dub, rub-a-dub-a-dub high, rub-a-dub down low
Rub-a-dub-dub, rub-a-dub, rub-a-dub-a-dub with a ho ho ho
Brush his teeth, rinse and floss—Anything for Santa Claus
We’re gonna have a rub-a-dub-dub for Xmas!
Deodorize him and delouse—Santa, please come to our house
We’re gonna have a rub-a-dub-dub
A rub-a-dub-rub-a-dub-rub-a-dub-dub
We’re gonna have a rub-a-dub-dub for Xmas!
10. Love & Chocolate
(Written with students at Grove Elementary, Wisconsin Rapids, WI)
She was lonely... feeling cold
Didn’t have a hand to hold
In her heart a winter’s day
Wrapped around her cold and gray
If tears were snow, it was snowin’ a lot!
She was ready for something hot, hot, hot...
Like Chocolate! She’s in love with Chocolate!
Steamy and hot Chocolate! It sure hits the spot! Chocolate!
Ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo-ooooh
Like a heart without a love
Like a hand without a glove
Like an ear without a muff
And all that other mushy stuff
That’s how she was, until she got
Marshmellow-melting hot, hot, hot
Cocoa! Sweet and warm, she goes loco!
Drives away the cold... cocoa! One hot cup to hold cocoa!
Ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo-ooooh
She was aching for a kiss
True love and romantic bliss
Now she’d rather reminisce
Dream a steaming kettle’s hiss
And a warmth transcending hugs
From a tall, dark, handsome mug, mug, mug
Of Chocolate! She’s in love with Chocolate!
Steamy and hot Chocolate! It sure hits the spot! Chocolate!
Ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo-ooooh
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11. Hi, Santa!
Hi, Santa! Ho, ho, ho!
It looks like snow-oh, oh!
Ready, set, go! Nearly Xmastime!
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12. Xmastime Tonight
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A shiver blows along the street
A window glows, but gives no heat
A child stares... the toys are bright
It’s Christmastime tonight
Her wishes frost the windowpane
Free of cost, but not in vain
If they’ll come true with morning’s light
It’s Christmastime tonight
Though her clothes are old and worn
The child knows that Christmas morn
Will find her worthy in love’s sight
It’s Christmastime tonight
Ya viene la perdita... Feliz Navidad
Da le a la pobrecita... Feliz Navidad
And as she turns into the street
A bright star burns, but gives no heat
Still, if it shines through us—it might
It’s Christmastime tonight
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13. Little Fan's Carol
(From my musical A Christmas Carol)
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A Spirit came on a Yuletide Night
Beckoning Wise Men three
To follow after a heavenly light
Shining eternally
And go they did, through the Yuletide Night
The Spirit, the Wise Men three
To tell the news of the heavenly light
Shining eternally
Come wanderers from the Night... Come, circle and see...
The sure return of the heavenly light...
Shining eternally
Oh, harken all ye wanderers now
To the words of the Wise Men, three
Lift up your hearts to that heavenly light
Shining eternally
Come wanderers from the Night... Come, circle and see...
The sure return of the heavenly light...
Shining eternally
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14. O Isthmus Tree
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O Isthmus Tree, O Isthmus Tree
The Capitol Rotunda
Finds some perplexed, and others vexed
They scratch their heads in wonder
Though Christians claim you as their own
Historically it’s widely known:
Your origin was pagan when
The Yule Tree was plundered
O Isthmus Tree, O Isthmus Tree
The golden light that glistens
From every bow upon you now
Shone long before the Christians
Your candle-fire the ancients burned
To bid the wayward Sun return
And songs of light on Solstice Night
Stirred hope in hearts that listened
O Isthmus Tree, O Isthmus Tree
Your warm illumination
Against the cold dark Yules of old
Inspires imitation
But this sincerest flattery
By circuit-box and battery
Can never re-write history:
And your Yule origination
15. Elfis
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Elfis-the-rock-n’-roll elf!
Santa Land got it’s very own rock n’ roll band
On the day a rockin’ elf came—Elfis was his name
Elfis was like no other elf there because
Instead of making those Christmas toys—he liked makin’ noise!
His guitar rang through an amplifier
His guitar sent all the reindeer flyin’ higher
On his back was an amp and an old mic jack
And he cranked it in stereo—rockin’ Ho Ho Ho!
All the Elves puttin’ hammers up on the shelves
Started bangin’ on toy shop drums! Mrs. Santa hummed
Old Saint Nick sat sleepin’ in the kitchen
Then right quick he felt his toes begin to twitchin’
Up he sprang—as he boogied the music rang
Santa land’s never been the same—since that Elfis came
His guitar rang through an amplifier
His guitar sent all the reindeer flyin’ higher
Santa Land got it’s very own rock n’ roll band
And it’s led by nobody else but that rock n’ roll
Elfis, the rock n’ roll
Elfis, the rock n’ roll
Elfis, the rock n’ roll
Elfis-the-rock-n’-roll elf!
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16. Happy New Year!
(Written in 1990 for Madison’s annual city-wide family celebration)
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Goodbye, Yesterday! We won’t see you no more!
The old year’s stumblin’ down the steps
And the new year’s knockin’ at the door!
One tired and turning gray—The other just newborn
The old year’s stumblin’ down the steps
And the new year’s knockin’ at the door!
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Happy new year! Hey, hey, hey
Happy new year! Celebrate!
Happy new year! Come what may
Happy new year! Happy new year! Happy new year!
Happy new year! Hey, hey, hey
Happy new year! Come what may
Happy new year! Celebrate!
Happy new year! Happy new year! Happy new year!
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17. End & Beginning
(From my musical The Magician’s Nephew)
Yellow sun came up this morning, whispering
Some sweet half-remembered song of spring
I could hear it... I could feel it deep inside
Echoing around me far and wide
This is the end and beginning
This is the world ever spinning
The light gone dim returns again
Yellow sun came up this morning, whispering
Some sweet half-remembered song of spring
I could hear it... I could feel it deep inside
Echoing around me far and wide
This is the end and beginning
This is the world ever spinning
The light gone dim returns again
Lifting your hearts up to the stars when day is done
Offer a prayer of thanks in honor of the sun
This is the end and beginning
This is the world ever spinning
The light gone dim returns again
Lifting your hearts up to the stars when day is done
Ring out the old ring in the new
Offer a prayer of thanks in honor of the sun
Ring out the old...
Lifting your hearts up to the stars when day is done
Ring out the old ring in the new
Offer a prayer of thanks in honor of the sun
Ring out the old...
18. Winter Garden
(Written with students at Grove Elementary, Wisconsin Rapids, WI)
In the land of Old Jack Frost
If, by chance, you’re ever lost
Where the winter trees are tossed
A garden you may come across
Winter Garden... garden lost
In the land of Old Jack Frost
Like no garden ever seen
Not a stem or leaf grows green
Crystal vines twisting in-between
Silvery roots of snow-capped dreams
Promises frosty white
Shivering hopes, icicle-bright
Wishes shining by starlight...
Locked up cold—frozen tight
Winter Garden... garden lost
In the land of Old Jack Frost
There a gardener made of snow
Holds a rusty broken hoe
Coal eyes keeping watch as though
This icy garden yet might grow
Sun may melt a frozen stream
Love may thaw a wish or dream
Made so long ago, it seems
Hopeless... and still, hope gleams
Winter Garden... garden lost
In the land of Old Jack Frost
19. Bedtime For Bears (BONUS)
(Written with Kindergarteners at Grove Elementary, Wisconsin Rapids, WI)
The wind blows, the snow falls, it’s bedtime for bears
Cold stars are shining it’s bedtime for bears
In furry pajamas they climb up the stairs
With nights growing longer, it’s bedtime for bears
It’s bedtime, bedtime, bedtime for bears
Brushing their teeth and shampooing their hair
Night lights are lit... and alarm clocks will ring
Waking the sleepy-heads... sometime next spring
Ah, hibernation... it’s a beautiful thing
Fish swish in dream streams slowly flowing
It’s bedtime, bedtime, bedtime for bears
To the Bear-Poobah they’re saying their prayers
Thanksgiving, Solstice, it’s bedtime for bears
Hannuka, Christmas, it’s bedtime for bears
Snoring through New Year’s—they don’t even care
They scratch and roll over, it’s bedtime for bears
It’s bedtime, bedtime, bedtime for bears
Snug under snowdrifts inside their bear lairs (snoring)
20. Stopping By Woods (BONUS)
(Robert Frost / Ken Lonnquist)
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