If you’re a fan of the classic holiday movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” you may have found yourself humming along to its catchy theme song. But who exactly is responsible for this festive tune?
The Artist Behind the Song
The song in question is called “Christmas Vacation,” and it’s performed by Mavis Staples. Staples is an American rhythm and blues singer known for her powerful voice and contributions to the civil rights movement.
The Story Behind the Song
“Christmas Vacation” was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, a husband-and-wife songwriting team who have penned numerous hits over the years. The song was specifically written for the movie and appears during its opening credits.
The Lyrics
If you’re not familiar with the lyrics of “Christmas Vacation,” here they are in full:
[Verse 1]
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!
[Chorus]
And when the clock strikes twelve we’ll be
Heeding a brand new year
Gonna wake up happy, yeah!
[Verse 2]
Gettin’ together with our friends and family
Decoratin’ the house just as pretty as can be
Presents under the tree for you and me
Why It’s So Memorable
One reason why “Christmas Vacation” has become such an iconic part of the movie is because it perfectly captures the joy and excitement of the holiday season. The upbeat tempo, cheerful lyrics, and soulful vocals all come together to create a song that’s impossible not to sing along to.
Conclusion
So there you have it – the artist behind the theme song for “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is Mavis Staples, and the song was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil specifically for the movie. With its catchy melody and festive lyrics, “Christmas Vacation” has become a beloved part of holiday music canon.