I sang this song at Song Central in Dublin on last Sunday. Although I learned it at my mother knee sixty years ago, it was the first time I sang it in public. It's such a lovely Christmas song (Christmas the way it used to be before crass commercialisation and uber-globalisation). I sang it with my eyes closed and imagined I was singing a duet with my mam; it was a great experience. It was so good I think I'll sing it at An Góilín tomorrow night. Once upon a time so the story's told In fairyland there lives a man so very, very old Good little children he loved most dear And he comes to visit them once every year He rides on his sleigh each Christmas Eve night With a cloak rosy red and a beard snowy white So listen now my children, if you're very good And go to sleep as little ones should. I'll telephone and tell old Mr Santa Want you to call tonight He will come and see you when you're quietly sleeping Through the bedroom, he will softly creep in Hang up all your stockings on the bed-post children Blow out the candlelight Jump into bed, cover up your head Blow a kiss. Goodnight. Sack upon his back he will bring you toys Dolls for the little girls, drums for the boys Brown teddy bears too and dogs that bark And all kind of animals from out of the ark There'll be fairies and lanterns for your Christmas tree And a big boxes of crackers that you'll pull with me So listen and I'll tell you if your very good And go to sleep as little ones should. I'll telephone and tell old Mr Santa Want you to call tonight He will come and see you when you're quietly sleeping Through the bedroom, he will softly creep in Hang up all your stockings on the bed-post children Blow out the candlelight Jump into bed, cover up your head Blow a kiss, Goodnight. Fergus
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