Let’s Sing Those Santa Songs

“Back Door Santa” is a funk-style song recorded by the American singer and songwriter Clarence Carter. It was released as a single in 1968 and is included in the compilation album Soul Christmas.

"Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" is a novelty Christmas song that was written by Randy Borrks. It was recorded by the American comedy tunes singer Elmo and his wife Patsy in 1979. The lyrics of the song tell of the tragedy of grandma having had too much eggnog and venturing out in a snowstorm on Christmas Eve. The next morning her family finds her body having been run over by Santa and his reindeer.

“Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)” is a popular holiday song originally recorded by the American singer and songwriter Gene Autry. The song became a Top 10 hit on the pop and country charts. Autry, also known as “The Singing Cowboy,” was inspired to write this song after riding in the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade in Los Angeles, California, where he heard children shouting, “Here comes Santa Claus!” The song’s catchy melody and joyful lyrics reflect the excitement of Santa’s arrival, capturing the magic of the Christmas season.

“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” is a Christmas song with music and lyrics by the British songwriter Tommy Connor. It was first recorded by the American singer Jimmy Boyd in 1952. The song really got rocking when in 1970 it was recorded by the American pop band the Jackson 5. Their version charted on the Billboard Holiday 100 chart and the UK Singles chart.

“Little Saint Nick” is a song that was recorded by the American rock band the Beach Boys. It came out as a single in 1963 and was written by band members Brian Wilson and Mike Love. This Christmas song features hot-rod themes to Santa and his sleigh. It charted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is featured on The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album.

“Must Be Santa” is a Christmas song that was written by Hal Moore and Bill Fredericks. It first came out in 1960 by the American bandleader Mitch Miller. In 2009 the American singer and songwriter Bob Dylan recorded his version of this song in a polka-meets-klezmer style. It is featured on his album Christmas in the Heart.

“The Night Santa Went Crazy” is a holiday song recorded by the American comedy musician and actor Weird Al Yankovic. It is a black comedy Christmas song performed as a pastiche of “Black Gold” by the American rock band Soul Asylum. It is the final track on the album Bad Hair Day and released as a single in 1996.

“Santa Baby” is a Christmas song performed by the American singer Eartha Kitt with Henri Rene and his orchestra. It was originally released in 1953. The song is about a woman who addresses a Christmas list to Santa looking to receive extravagant gifts. It became the best selling holiday song of 1953.

“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” is a Christmas song written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie. It was originally recorded by Hayy Reser and his Orchestra and covered by the American comedian and actor Eddie Cantor on this radio show in 1934. However, Santa really got rocked in a version by the American singer and songwriter Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band.

“Santa’s Coming for Us” is a holiday song recorded by the Australian singer and songwriter Sia. It was written by her and Greg Kustin. The song was released as the lead single from her first Christmas album, Everyday is Christmas.

“Zat You, Santa Claus?” is a song that was recorded by the American jazz singer Louis Armstrong. He does this holiday song in style with humor. The melody has a jazzy arrangement with horns and a swinging rhythm. This remains among the classical holiday songs.