I saw Mom kissing Santa Claus
Classique de la musique de Christmas
Origin and history of the song
An American Christmas song, with music and lyrics written by Tommie Connor, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" caused quite a stir at the time.
Originalement enregistrée par Jimmy Boyd, alors âgé de 13 ans, les paroles de la chanson ont offensé certaines gens lors de sa première diffusion en 1953. L’idée qu’une femme mariée puisse embrasser un autre homme que son époux a en effet déclenché tout un émoi. Ces paroles portaient à confusion et faisaient en quelque sorte référence à l’infidélité, ce qui était tout à fait inacceptable à l’époque. Bien qu’une écoute plus attentive ait permis de comprendre que le Santa Claus était en réalité le père de l’enfant, cela n’a aucunement empêché l’église catholique romaine de Boston de condamner la chanson, et de la faire bannir sur leurs ondes des stations radiophoniques.
Columbia Records therefore had to appeal to the Council of Churches and request an interview, to which young Boyd was invited to explain the true meaning of the lyrics himself. During this meeting, Jimmy Boy was even photographed with the diocese. The tactic paid off, as after the meeting, the ban was lifted.
"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" has since become a favorite Christmas song. Jimmy Boyd's original recording even reached number one on the Billboard charts in 1952. The song has since been translated into many languages and crossed borders.
Here are the titles of some of these versions:
French version: I saw little mom kissing Santa Claus
Danish version: Jeg så mor kysse julemanden
Finnish version: Kun Joulupukki suukon sai
Norwegian version: Jeg så Maman kysse Nissen
Swedish version: Jag Såg mom kyssa tomten
Dozens of artists have performed the song, including The Ronettes, John Cougar Mellencamp, Celine Dion, Michèle Richard, Les BB, The Drifters, Andy Williams, The Jackson 5, Daniel O'Donnell, and The Beatles.
Music video of the song
Line Renaud
Children's Choir
Lyrics in French version
I saw little mom last night.
Kissing Santa Claus
They were under the mistletoe and thought I was asleep
But without seeming to, I had both eyes half open
Ha! If Dad had come to pass,
I wonder what he would have thought
Would he have found it natural
Because it comes down from heaven
Mommy kisses Santa Claus
I saw little mom last night.
Kissing Santa Claus
I looked carefully why and I guessed, I think.
It's because he brought me such beautiful toys
So, for next year I have good hope
That he will still come at my call
And again I will pretend
To sleep soundly
If Mom Kisses Santa Claus
And again I will pretend
To sleep soundly
If Mom Kisses Santa Claus
English version lyrics
I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus
Underneath the mistletoe last night.
She didn't see me creep
Down the stairs to have a peep;
She thought that I was tucked up
in my bedroom fast asleep.
Then, I saw Mommy tickle Santa Claus
Underneath his beard so snowy white;
Oh, what a laugh it would have been
If Daddy had only seen
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night.
I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus
Underneath the mistletoe last night.
She didn't see me creep
Down the stairs to have a peep;
She thought that I was tucked up
in my bedroom fast asleep.
Then, I saw Mommy tickle Santa Claus
Underneath his beard so snowy white;
Oh, what a laugh it would have been
If Daddy had only seen
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night.