Are you a fan of the classic holiday movie, Christmas Vacation? If so, then you might have found yourself humming along to the catchy tune that plays during the end credits.
But what is the name of that song? And who sings it? In this article, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and more.
What’s the Song?
The song that plays at the end of Christmas Vacation is called “Mele Kalikimaka.” It’s a Hawaiian Christmas song that was written by Robert Alex Anderson in 1949. The title translates to “Merry Christmas” in Hawaiian.
Who Sings It?
The version of “Mele Kalikimaka” that plays at the end of Christmas Vacation is performed by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters. Bing Crosby is a legendary American singer and actor who was popular in the 1930s and 1940s. The Andrews Sisters were an American close harmony singing group that was active from the 1930s to the 1960s.
The History Behind “Mele Kalikimaka”
As mentioned earlier, “Mele Kalikimaka” was written in 1949 by Robert Alex Anderson. Anderson was a native Hawaiian who worked as a public relations officer for the Hawaiian Pineapple Company (now known as Dole). The company wanted a Christmas song that would promote their pineapples, which were in season during December.
Anderson wrote “Mele Kalikimaka” as a way to blend traditional Christmas themes with Hawaiian culture. The song has become a beloved holiday classic and is still played on radio stations around Christmastime.
Why Does It Play at the End of Christmas Vacation?
The decision to include “Mele Kalikimaka” at the end of Christmas Vacation was made by director Jeremiah S. Chechik. In an interview, he explained that he wanted a song that would “send the audience out with a bang.”
The upbeat and cheerful tune of “Mele Kalikimaka” perfectly captures the spirit of the movie and leaves viewers feeling happy and festive as they leave the theater or finish watching the movie at home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Mele Kalikimaka” is the catchy tune that plays at the end of Christmas Vacation. It’s a Hawaiian Christmas song written by Robert Alex Anderson and performed by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters.
The song has become a beloved holiday classic and its inclusion in Christmas Vacation helps to make it one of the most popular holiday movies of all time. So, next time you hear “Mele Kalikimaka,” you’ll know what it is and why it’s so special.