If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” you may have found yourself wondering about the song that plays during the opening credits and throughout the film. After all, it’s a catchy tune that perfectly captures the holiday spirit and sets the tone for all of the shenanigans that follow.
The song in question is called “Christmas Vacation” and was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. It’s performed by Mavis Staples, a legendary gospel singer who brings her soulful voice to this upbeat holiday track.
The Opening Credits
If you’ve seen “Christmas Vacation,” you know that the opening credits are a montage of vintage holiday images set to “Christmas Vacation.” It’s a fun and festive way to kick off the film, and the song is an integral part of this sequence.
During this part of the movie, you’ll hear Staples singing lines like:
“Haul out the holly
Put up the tree before my spirit falls again
Fill up the stocking
I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now.”
These lyrics perfectly capture the excitement and anticipation of getting ready for Christmas, and they’re accompanied by images of sleigh rides, snowmen, and other classic holiday scenes.
Throughout The Movie
After the opening credits are over, “Christmas Vacation” continues to play throughout various scenes in the movie. For example, when Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) is putting up Christmas lights on his house, you’ll hear Staples singing lines like:
“It’s that time
Christmas time is here
Everybody knows there’s not a better time of year”
Again, these lyrics perfectly capture the joy and excitement of the holiday season. They also serve as a reminder that no matter how stressful things may get during this time of year (as they certainly do for Clark), there’s always something to look forward to.
- Fun Fact:
If you’re a fan of “Christmas Vacation,” you may be interested to know that the movie’s soundtrack also features other classic holiday tunes, such as “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Joy to the World.” However, it’s safe to say that “Christmas Vacation” is the standout track, thanks in large part to Mavis Staples’ amazing vocals and the song’s catchy melody.
In Conclusion
So there you have it – the song played in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is called “Christmas Vacation,” and it’s performed by Mavis Staples. Whether you’re watching the opening credits or enjoying one of the movie’s many hilarious scenes, this festive tune is sure to put you in a holiday mood. So crank up the volume, sing along, and enjoy all of the hijinks that come with spending Christmas with the Griswold family!