Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee

About

“Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree” is a timeless holiday classic that has become synonymous with the Christmas season. Written by Johnny Marks, who also penned other holiday hits like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” the song showcases Brenda Lee’s youthful yet powerful voice, which helped her become a significant figure in both pop and country music. Despite being only 13 years old at the time of recording, Brenda Lee’s performance in “Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree” is full of energy and charisma, capturing the festive and carefree spirit of the holiday season. The song features a catchy saxophone solo, which enhances its upbeat, rockabilly feel, making it a departure from more traditional Christmas carols. The lyrics evoke the joy and excitement of holiday celebrations, with imagery of parties, dancing, mistletoe, and caroling. The pre-chorus, with its mention of “voices singing, ‘Let’s be jolly, deck the halls with boughs of holly,’” encapsulates the warm and sentimental feelings that come with Christmas, while the chorus invites everyone to celebrate the holiday season in the “new old-fashioned way.” Though initially not a huge hit when first released, “Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree” gained popularity over the years and has since become one of the most enduring Christmas songs. It is frequently featured in holiday films, commercials, and playlists, solidifying its place as a beloved classic that brings festive cheer to generations of listeners every year. On December 4, 2023, 65 years after its initial release, “Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree” hit number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.