National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is one of the most beloved holiday movies of all time. The film, which was released in 1989, tells the story of the Griswold family’s attempts to have a perfect Christmas despite several setbacks and mishaps.
One of the most memorable moments in the movie is when the entire family gathers around the Christmas tree and sings “Mele Kalikimaka,” a Hawaiian-inspired Christmas song. But who sings this classic tune?
The version of “Mele Kalikimaka” that appears in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is performed by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters. Crosby, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers of all time, recorded the song in 1950 with The Andrews Sisters, a popular vocal group from the same era.
The song itself was written by Robert Alex Anderson in 1949 and was first recorded by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters the following year. The lyrics are a mix of English and Hawaiian words and phrases, with “Mele Kalikimaka” translating to “Merry Christmas” in Hawaiian.
Crosby’s version of “Mele Kalikimaka” has become a holiday classic over the years, with its upbeat melody and catchy chorus making it a favorite for many people during the Christmas season. In fact, it has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Jimmy Buffett, Bette Midler, and even SpongeBob SquarePants!
In addition to “Mele Kalikimaka,” National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation features several other classic holiday songs throughout its runtime. These include “Christmas Vacation,” which was written specifically for the movie by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, as well as renditions of “Deck the Halls,” “Joy to the World,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
Overall, Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters’ rendition of “Mele Kalikimaka” is just one of the many reasons why National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has become a holiday favorite for generations of fans. Its catchy melody and fun lyrics make it a perfect addition to any Christmas playlist, and its appearance in the movie is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters’ version of “Mele Kalikimaka” is the iconic rendition that appears in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. This classic holiday tune has become a staple of the season, with its catchy melody and fun lyrics bringing joy to listeners around the world. So next time you watch the movie or hear the song on the radio, remember to sing along and have yourself a merry little Christmas!