If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas movie, Christmas Vacation, you may have found yourself wondering who sings the catchy tune “Here Comes Santa Claus” that plays during the opening credits. Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the song and reveal who sings it in the movie.
Origins of “Here Comes Santa Claus”
“Here Comes Santa Claus” was written by Gene Autry and Oakley Haldeman in 1947. Autry, who was known as “The Singing Cowboy,” was already a beloved figure in America thanks to his numerous Western movies and hit songs. Haldeman was a composer and songwriter who had previously worked with Autry on several other songs.
The idea for “Here Comes Santa Claus” came from Autry’s experiences performing at Christmas events across the country. He noticed that children would get excited and start cheering as soon as they saw Santa Claus arriving. This inspired him to write a song that captured that sense of joy and anticipation.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Here Comes Santa Claus” are simple but effective. They paint a picture of Santa coming to town with his sleigh full of presents and spreading cheer to everyone he meets. Here are some of the most memorable lines:
- Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
- Right down Santa Claus Lane.
- Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer,
- Pulling on the reins.
- Bells are ringing, children singing,
- All is merry and bright.
“Christmas Vacation” Version
In Christmas Vacation, “Here Comes Santa Claus” is performed by none other than Chevy Chase himself! In the opening credits, we see a cartoon version of the Griswold family getting ready for Christmas while the song plays in the background. Then, as the movie begins, we hear Chevy Chase’s voice singing the first few lines of the song.
While Chevy Chase is best known for his comedy skills, he actually has a decent singing voice. In fact, he has sung in several other movies and TV shows over the years. His rendition of “Here Comes Santa Claus” is a fun and lighthearted take on the classic song that perfectly sets the tone for this beloved holiday movie.
In Conclusion
“Here Comes Santa Claus” is a timeless Christmas classic that captures the joy and excitement of the holiday season. From its simple but effective lyrics to its catchy melody, it’s no wonder that this song has remained popular for over 70 years. And in Christmas Vacation, Chevy Chase’s version of the song adds an extra layer of nostalgia and fun to this beloved holiday movie.