If you’re a fan of the classic holiday movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, you may have found yourself wondering about the catchy tune that plays during the opening credits. The song in question is “Christmas Vacation” by Mavis Staples, and it perfectly captures the spirit of the film.
The History of “Christmas Vacation”
Mavis Staples is a legendary American singer who began her career in the 1950s as part of The Staple Singers. She went on to have a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums and collaborating with artists such as Prince and Bob Dylan.
In 1989, Staples was approached to record a song for National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. The film’s director, Jeremiah S. Chechik, wanted something that would capture the feeling of the holiday season while also being upbeat and fun.
Staples wrote “Christmas Vacation” with her collaborator, songwriter-producer Randy Newman. Newman is best known for his work on films such as Toy Story and Monsters Inc., but he has also released several acclaimed albums throughout his career.
The Lyrics
The lyrics to “Christmas Vacation” are simple but effective. They describe all the joys of the holiday season, from decorating the tree to spending time with loved ones:
Holidays are comin’, holidays are comin’
..
It’s that time, Christmas time is here
Everybody knows there’s not a better time of year
Hear that sleigh, Santa’s on his way
Hip hip hooray for Christmastime!
The song perfectly captures the excitement and anticipation that many people feel during this time of year.
The Legacy of “Christmas Vacation”
Since its release in 1989, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has become a beloved holiday classic. The film is known for its humor, heart, and memorable performances from actors such as Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo.
One of the key elements that makes the film so memorable is its use of music. In addition to “Christmas Vacation,” the movie features several other holiday tunes that help to set the mood and enhance the overall viewing experience.
If you’re a fan of the film (and who isn’t?), then you’ll definitely want to add “Christmas Vacation” to your holiday playlist. It’s a fun and festive song that will put you in the holiday spirit no matter what time of year it is.
- Key takeaway: The song at the beginning of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is “Christmas Vacation” by Mavis Staples.
- The history: Staples wrote and recorded the song with Randy Newman in 1989 for the film’s opening credits.
- The lyrics: The lyrics describe all the joys of the holiday season, from decorating the tree to spending time with loved ones.
- The legacy: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has become a beloved holiday classic, in part due to its use of music.
In conclusion
So there you have it – everything you need to know about “Christmas Vacation” by Mavis Staples. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation or just looking for some new holiday music to add to your collection, this song is sure to put a smile on your face and get you in the festive mood.